Vol. 511 No. 3
161 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to increase the limit from ten years to 15 years for receipt of farm retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24390/99]
The rural development regulation which was adopted by the Agriculture Council on May 17 this year as part of the Agenda 2000 agreement provides for continued support for early retirement from farming. My Department is currently preparing an integrated rural development plan with a view to implementing the new regulation. The terms and conditions which will apply to the future early retirement scheme are being considered at present in the context of that plan but I do not envisage making a proposal to increase the duration of payment.
