asked the Minister for Lands the proposals he has submitted or intends to submit under EEC Directive 160, to encourage certain farmers to retire and reallocate their lands for structural reform.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farmer Retirement Scheme.
97.
(Cavan): A scheme for the implementation of EEC Directive No. 160 on encouragement to leave farming has been presented to the Government and I expect their decision shortly. Pending the decision and subsequent clearance of the scheme by the EEC it would be premature to announce specific details of the proposals. Needless to say I will announce full details of the scheme at the earliest possible date. I can assure the Deputy that the scheme is a good one and that the financial incentives are pitched at a generous level and should evoke a very substantial response from potential applicants.
The Minister made the point that the scheme was a good one. Could he indicate how good it is?
(Cavan): I am not prepared at this stage to do that. It is in draft form as yet. If I were to announce the details now it is just possible that the information might not be accurate. I would not like to do that.