Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 December 2004
210 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the exemptions which are available under the scheme of early retirement from farming 2000 to 2006; the exemptions that have been considered and granted to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31995/04]
View answerThe scheme for early retirement from farming includes a provision under which prospective applicants may be exempted from certain conditions of application if they cannot satisfy them for reasons outside their control. Each case is dealt with on its merits. My Department has, for example, accepted applications from farmers who had been unable to farm for the full ten-year period prior to retirement due to illness or disability. However, the provision must be used prudently and within reasonable limits. Some 65 farmers have been admitted to the scheme on the basis of its exemption provisions.
