In relation to the western programme, would the Minister be prepared to waive the condition in relation to the 55-years age limit?

I am ahead of the Deputy on that, having taken a decision in that regard a couple of weeks ago.

What age must one be now to qualify under this programme?

The age has not been changed. I changed the scheme so as to relate it directly to the farm modernisation scheme and to ensure that a farmer who is over 55 but who has a son or daughter on the farm will be entitled to participate in the western scheme.

Has the Minister waived the age limit?

I would not be so irresponsible as to do so and I am surprised that the Deputy should suggest that the age limit be waived having regard to the whole problem of farm inheritance. I cannot think of any scheme in respect of which there is no age limit. I have brought the western package into line with what was the situation under the farm modernisation scheme. The Deputy's party were in office long enough without doing anything about this.

Even if Deputies insist on confining Question Time to merely a few questions, I suggest that they do so in an orderly way. I am calling Deputy Treacy.