Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Sep 1995

Vol. 455 No. 8

Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.

Brian Cowen

Ceist:

346 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the situation of farmers retiring under the farm retirement scheme which now requires transferees in joint ownership to increase the size of their holding by a minimum of ten hectares; the steps, if any, he will take to remedy this anomaly in view of the fact that the joint ownership of husband and wife does not constitute two separate farm holdings; and his views on whether this requirement cuts across the principle of family farming in Ireland. [12853/95]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

There is no change in the minimum enlargement requirement of five hectares which is deemed necessary for structural improvement under the scheme.

This requirement applies to each farming transferee where lands are transferred solely or jointly. The Deputy will appreciate that where the enlargement lands are jointly owned there must be sufficient to meet the enlargement requirement for each transferee.

However, if the enlargement lands are jointly owned by husband and wife, then five hectares enlargement suffices if the released lands are transferred to only one of the joint owners.