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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 22 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 6

Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

73 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason applications for the farm early retirement scheme, submitted in December 1999, have still not been fully processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17736/00]

A large number of applications were received before the closing date for entry to the existing scheme on 31 December. There is still a backlog in applications, but these are now being given priority by local office staff and my Department is making every effort to expedite the processing of these applications.

I 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.

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