P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:47 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if recipients of the EU farm retirement pensions are allowed to keep greyhounds as a hobby or if it would effect their pension rights. [10984/99]
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:54 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the relevant terms or conditions of the scheme of early retirement from farming which preclude farm pensioners from keeping greyhounds for recreational purposes; his views on whether this requirement is absurd; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10892/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 54 together.
Greyhound breeding and rearing are an integral part of rural life in Ireland where these activities are primarily carried on by the farming community. The greyhound sector has been supported by my Department as an alternative farming enterprise.
Under the terms of the scheme of early retirement from farming, participants must undertake to cease all commercial farming activity definitively. In this context and, given that the greyhound breeding and rearing are acceptable alternative farming enterprises under other Department schemes, these activities cannot be engaged by the participants in the scheme of early retirement from farming. I have arranged an examination of all aspects related to the keeping of greyhounds and the implications for the operation of the scheme of early retirement from farming. Arising from that review I can accept that the keeping of greyhounds as a leisure pursuit and hobby by the participants in the scheme can be permitted. However, the breeding and rearing of greyhounds by early retirement participants is not allowed.