Johnny Brady
Ceist:104 Mr. J. Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the improvements, if any, being sought in the scheme for early retirement from farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14747/98]
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
Following a review of the operation of the early retirement from farming scheme I wrote to Commissioner Fischler seeking agreement to certain improvements to the scheme in the context of a replacement measure. The improvements sought by me relate to the dropping of the enlargement provision in favour of an economic viability criterion and, the deletion of the restrictions on off farm income. Commissioner Fischler has responded positively to my request and provisions along the lines suggested are contained in the new draft regulation on support for rural development currently being considered in the appropriate EU fora.