Vol. 511 No. 3
159 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when a decision will be made on an application under the early farm retirement scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if the application will be expedited. [24368/99]
The person named applied for an early retirement pension on 27 September 1999. On examination a query arose. The officer dealing with the file has raised this with the applicant's solicitors and on clarification of this matter the processing of the application will be finalised.
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.
