(Cavan-Monaghan): asked the Minister for Agriculture the last date on which the farmers' retirement pension was updated; the amount of pension now payable; and when it is proposed to revise the pension to bring it into line with inflation.

The annuities payable under the farmers' retirement scheme were last increased with effect from 1 May 1980 and are now £912 in the case of a single or widowed person and £1,380 in the case of a married person. I am reviewing the position at present to see whether a further increase should be made.