Farm Retirement Scheme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2007

Thursday, 8 March 2007

Ceisteanna (75)

Pádraic McCormack

Ceist:

69 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. [8809/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

I decided to increase the maximum pension payable under the 1994–99 Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming from €12,075 to €14,075 per annum and the maximum pension payable under the 2000-2006 Scheme from €13,515 to €15,000 per annum with effect from 1 November 2006.

These increases, which will be funded entirely from the Exchequer, formed part of the undertakings in the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016. They will benefit some 5,000 retired farmers and add some €33 million to the cost of the Schemes over the time they have left to run.