Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 1

Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

211 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he intends to carry out a review of the level of payment for the early farm retirement pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20011/01]

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

The maximum annual pension payable under the new scheme of early retirement is 13,515 or £10,644. This rate is set down in the Rural Development Plan 2000-2006 which was approved by the EU Commission last year. I have no plans to seek a revision in the rate.