Farm Retirement Scheme
Treacy sought figures on participation, land purchases and allocations, pension payments and scheme benefits; the Minister supplied a tabular reply. He agreed the scheme had failed for several reasons, said its benefits were one factor, and noted that its future was under review with no reintroduction date set. Pensions had risen slightly two months earlier, but he did not know the percentage.
asked the Minister for Agriculture (i) the number of farmers who have availed themselves of the farm retirement scheme since its inception; (ii) the number of acres of land purchased under this scheme; (iii) the amount of money paid for the land; (iv) the number of farmers accommodated with extra land as a result of the scheme and the number of them who now have a viable farm as a result of the scheme; (v) the amount of money paid in retirement pensions since the scheme commenced and the annual amount; (vi) the benefits available to farmers who avail themselves of the scheme; and (vii) when pension increases, etc., are available to participants.
Comment on this
The reply is in the form of a tabular statement which I propose to circulate in the Official Report.
Following is the table:—
(i) 607 made up as follows:
(ii) and (iii)
Purchases by the Land Commission
Purchases by Development Farmers
Total
(iv) Farmers accommodated
The figure in respect of Land Commission allotments covers an area of 5,745 hectares leaving a balance of 3,772 hectares to be allotted. Priority in the allocation of this land is given to development farmers certified to have a land requirement. Some 50 per cent of the total area has been thus allocated, the balance going to other small farmers in the locality.
(v)
(vi) Benefits (in addition to purchase price or lease rent):—
Under 55 years
A premium of 10 per cent of the purchase price subject to a maximum of £1,500 or twice the annual lease rent subject to a maximum of £3,000.
55 years and over
Premium as above plus a life annuity of £2,268 for a married person or £1,512 for a single person, widow or widower.
(vii) The annuity has been reviewed with effect from 1 May each year.
Comment on this
I am sure the Minister will agree that the main reason why the farm retirement scheme was not a success was that the benefits available to the farmers were not comparable to the benefits available to other people who retired from other jobs?
Comment on this
The farm retirement scheme was a failure for a variety of reasons. The point the Deputy has raised is a valid one but it would be only one of many.
Comment on this
Does the Minister intend to re-introduce the farm retirement scheme in line with the modernisation scheme in early autumn?
Comment on this
There is an in-depth survey being carried out at the moment in my Department on the farm retirement scheme. It is also being looked at in Brussels. I am not in a position to say exactly when it will be introduced.
Comment on this
When was the last time that people receiving this pension received an increase and what increase was given to them in 1983?
Comment on this
That is a separate question, but two months ago there was a slight increase in the pension.
