Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2006
463 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason her recent announcement on a top-up payment for current farm retirement participants did not include a backdated payment; if she will review this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38001/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraSubstantial increases in the maximum pension rates under both Schemes of Early Retirement from Farming will take effect from 1 November 2006. I have decided to increase the maximum in the 1994-99 Scheme from €12,075 to €14,075 and the maximum in the current Scheme from €13,515 to €15,000.
These increases will cost some €33 million extra over the remaining period of the two Schemes and the expenditure will not be eligible for EU co-funding. Consequently the full cost of the increases must be met from the Exchequer.
