82 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will speed up the payment of an early retirement pension to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [17392/97]

The application is being processed. I have made arrangements to ensure that where undue delays occur they do not result in the applicants being unfairly penalised, by having commencement dates adjusted to take account of any such delays.

83 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of applications received from County Kerry under the farm retirement scheme; the number approved to date; the number currently awaiting final decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17394/97]

The number of applicants approved to date in County Kerry is 512 and the number of applicants awaiting final decision is 36. I have made arrangements to ensure that where undue delays occur they do not result in the applicants being unfairly penalised, by having commencement dates adjusted to take account of any such delays.