Farm Retirement Scheme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 December 2008

Wednesday, 3 December 2008

Ceisteanna (184)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

235 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the full extent of savings proposed in Budget 2009 arising from the abolition of the farm retirement scheme; the number of farmers to be affected; if he has quantified the full extent of the negative impact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44298/08]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I have made provision of €47 million in 2009 to meet current commitments under the Early Retirement Scheme from Farming. It is not possible to quantify the savings that will arise due to suspension of the Scheme for new applications.