Paul Connaughton
Ceist:222 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the additionality clause for eligibility for the farm retirement pension scheme will be dropped. [22779/98]
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
Following a review of the operation of the scheme of early retirement from farming I wrote to Commissioner Fischler earlier this year seeking agreement to certain improvements to the scheme including the replacement of the enlargement requirement with economic viability criteria. Commissioner Fischler has responded positively to my request and a provision in this regard is contained in the new draft regulation on support for rural development currently being considered in the appropriate EU fora in the context of the Agenda 2,000 negotiations.