John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 420: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will introduce a new farm retirement scheme; and if so, the date for commencement. [9216/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I have not yet taken a decision on whether to introduce another early retirement scheme. The EU Council regulation covering the current scheme will expire in December 2006. The Council regulation on rural development for the period from 2007 to 2013 includes provision for member states to operate several schemes, including an early retirement scheme. No decisions have yet been taken regarding which schemes will be operated in Ireland under this regulation. The option of an early retirement scheme will be examined in light of the need for structural reform and the need to provide opportunities for young farmers. In framing proposals for the next rural development round, account will be taken of the funding and options available when deciding which schemes should be adopted to achieve the best results.