asked the Minister for Agriculture the number of farmers who have retired under the farm retirement scheme; and if his Department have any plans for the introduction of a new scheme.

Six hundred and seven farmers have retired under the scheme since its introduction in 1974. The EEC directive which relates to the scheme is at present under review. When the review has been completed, the question of amending the scheme will be considered.

Does the Minister agree that the low numbers availing of the scheme is because of the low rate of pension? Some retired farmers receive less than old age pensioners and they do not qualify for the same benefits? Is he prepared to correct that situation?

First of all, I agree with the Deputy that that is one of the major reasons, not the only one. The scheme has not been successful by any means. When the EEC Commission have announced their proposals we will be looking at it in that context, to see how the scheme can be tailored to Irish needs.

Will the Minister assure us that when the scheme is introduced there will be no watering down of it?

I cannot give any such undertaking but I can assure the House that every possible angle will be looked at.

Does the Minister consider it absolutely necessary to have a retirement scheme in the light of the fact that the average age of the Irish farmer is 50 years? Is it the Minister's intention to bring back the retirement scheme immediately? What say will the Government have in this matter?

We are awaiting the decision from the EEC. I accept that retirement pensions for elderly farmers are of vital importance to land mobility. I am looking at all aspects of it.

Will the Government not make a move until such time as they get a direction from Europe? It was the Minister's Government who withdrew the scheme in the first instance.

As Deputy Byrne is well aware, this is not a practical proposition. The scheme has not been seen to work for nine or ten years——

Will the Minister try to improve it?

——for the obvious reason that there were many drawbacks. It is important that when it is reintroduced it is reintroduced properly.

The Minister should not scrap it.

The existing scheme did not work.

We cannot have a debate on this.

Will the Minister agree that the main problem is our social welfare legislation and not the terms governing the farm retirement scheme?

We cannot have a debate at Question Time. I am calling the next question.

(Limerick West): The Minister might answer the question.

Question No. 12 has been postponed. Question No. 13 has gone for written answer.