Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 412: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the estimated saving in 2009 in respect of the suspension of the early farm retirement scheme; the estimated saving in respect of the suspension of the young farmer installation aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43799/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I have made provision of €56.7 million in 2009 to meet current commitments under the Early Retirement Scheme from Farming and the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. It is not possible to quantify the savings that will arise due to suspension for new applications of the Early Retirement Scheme and Young Farmers' Installation Scheme.

Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 413: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the cases of people who have incurred expense in lodging proceedings with their solicitors for applications under the early retirement scheme from farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43811/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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It is not possible to determine precisely the number of people who may have intended making an application under the Early Retirement Scheme from Farming, though I am aware of figures submitted to my Department by various farming organisations.

I have made provision of €47 million in 2009 to meet current commitments under the Early Retirement Scheme from Farming and have no plans at present to re-open the Scheme to new applicants. The limiting of the suspension of the Scheme will be considered at the earliest opportunity having regard to the general budgetary situation.

Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 414: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of people about to apply or who currently have leases prepared for the early retirement scheme from farming; the cost to his Department of such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43812/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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It is not possible to give an accurate assessment of the number of people who may have intended making an application under the Early Retirement Scheme, though I am aware of figures submitted to my Department by various farming organisations.

I have made provision of €47 million in 2009 to meet current commitments under the Early Retirement Scheme from Farming and have no plans at present to re-open the Scheme to new applicants. The limiting of the suspension of the Scheme will be considered at the earliest opportunity having regard to the general budgetary situation.

Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 415: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost of the early retirement scheme from farming to the State over the past five years; the breakdown for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43813/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The following table shows a breakdown by year of the cost (including EU funding) of financing the Early Retirement Scheme for the Years 2003-2007:

The amount of EU co-funding claimed in respect of Early Retirement for the years 2003-2007 was €164.26 million.