EU Council Regulation 1257/1999, under which the new scheme of early retirement from farming is being introduced, provides that a retiring farmer shall not be less than 55 years of age at the time the holding is transferred. The person named has not yet reached that age. While I am sympathetic to his circumstances as communicated to me by the Deputy, I regret that under the conditions of the scheme he would not as yet be eligible to make an application. If in due course he does apply, then his application will be considered under the rules of the scheme.