Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applicants who have made commitments by way of land transfer and so on in order to qualify for the early retirement scheme; the way he proposes to treat them in view of the sudden closure of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44046/08]

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 made commitments with a view to 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.