Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 24 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 5

Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

224 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when applicants under the new farm retirement scheme will be accepted with specific reference to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23006/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh):

Ireland's CAP Rural Development Plan for the period 2000-6, which was submitted to the European Commission at the end of December 1999, has recently 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 has been consulting with the farming organisations about the detailed provisions of the new early retirement scheme for farmers. These consultations have now been completed and the necessary scheme documentation including terms and conditions and application forms is being finalised. The new scheme will commence in the coming weeks and application forms will be available from the local offices of my Department. On receipt of a completed application from the person named his eligibility under the scheme will be examined.