John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 481: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has decided on a replacement for the early retirement scheme when the current scheme expires in December 2006; the schemes which will apply in the period 2007 to 2013; the rates of pension which will be paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31758/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Council Regulation on Rural Development for the period from 2007–2013 includes provision for member States to operate a range of measures including an Early Retirement Scheme.

Work is currently taking place on the finalisation of the new Rural Development Programme which will begin in 2007. The context of the Programme has also been discussed in the Partnership negotiations with the farming bodies. I intend to take decisions on specific measures in this context.