Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to address the position of farmers who were ready to apply for the early retirement scheme in October 2008 but had not submitted their application before the scheme was suspended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26082/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Early Retirement Scheme was suspended for new applications on 14 October 2008. I am, however, conscious that some potential applicants were at an advanced stage of preparing an application when entry to the scheme was suspended and had made, or were making, arrangements to meet the requirements of the Scheme. I am aware of the difficulties which a number of such intending applicants had encountered.

I am currently examining options for resolving these cases against the background of the competing demands for the limited resources which are at my disposal.

I am currently examining options for resolving these cases against the background of the competing demands for the limited resources which are at my disposal.