Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 433: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she intends to extend the early retirement scheme beyond the end of 2006. [9314/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The EU Council regulation covering the current scheme will expire in December 2006 and after that my Department will not be able to admit any further applicants to this scheme.

I have not yet taken a decision on whether to introduce another early retirement scheme. The Council regulation on rural development for the period from 2007-13 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.