Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.

John Perry

Question:

258 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the concerns raised by a person (details supplied) under the mid-term review of CAP; if he will address the various issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15712/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The person named wrote to me in May 2003 outlining her concerns about the effects of the mid-term review proposals on participants in the schemes of early retirement from farming. She had previously written to my Department about the same issues and had received a reply.

The European Commission's proposals for the mid-term review of Agenda 2000 will be dis cussed at a meeting of the Council of Ministers this week. Over recent months a number of working groups, made up of officials from member states, have been examining the Commission's proposals. My Department has pointed out the potential implications both for farmers who have already retired under the early retirement schemes, like the person named, and for the young farmers who have taken over their holdings. I will continue to pursue the matter in the forthcoming discussions.