The person named applied for an early retirement pension on 29 April 1999. Due to the volume of work a backlog has arisen in the processing of applications. Applications are dealt with in order of receipt and this case will be processed as soon as possible.
I would point out, however, that in no case does the processing time result in a financial loss to a retiring farmer. The operational procedures for the scheme specifically ensure that the date of receipt in the Department of a valid application determines the date from which payment is made.