Brendan Smith
Ceist:95 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the new early farm retirement scheme will be re-introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21363/00]
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
Ireland's CAP rural development plan for the period 2000-06, which was submitted to the European Commission at the end of December 1999, has now been approved by the Commission. This plan covers early retirement along with REPS, compensatory allowances and forestry.
In accordance with the commitment entered into in the Protocol on Direct Payments to Farmers arising out of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, my Department is having consultations with the farming organisations about the detailed provisions of the new scheme. Following these consultations the scheme document will be finalised, and the new scheme will be implemented at the earliest possible date.