Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:117 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason she did not backdate the top up payment under the farm retirement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3542/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 6 February 2007
Ceisteanna (36, 37)
Pádraic McCormack
Ceist:138 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will backdate the top up payment under the farm retirement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3541/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 138 together.
I decided to increase the maximum in the 1994–99 Scheme from €12,075 to €14,075 per annum and the maximum in the 2000-2006 Scheme from €13,515 to €15,000 per annum with effect from 1st November 2006.
These increases formed part of the undertakings in the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016. They will add some €33 million to the cost of the Schemes over the time they have left to run, and will be funded entirely from the Exchequer.