31 Mr. M. Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the additional condition for eligibility for the farm retirement pension scheme and the off-farm income criteria will be amended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22332/99]

44 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the degree to which his Department is up to date in respect of processing farm retirement grant applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22472/99]

46 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when EU Commission approval will be granted to amend the eligibility criteria for participation in the early retirement from farming scheme in particular relating to the enlargement clause and the 50 per cent off-farm income rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22433/99]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 44 and 46 together.