25 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he expects the reintroduction of the EU farm retirement scheme; if recognition will be given to those who lost out in the intervening period since the last scheme was ended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17778/00]

Ireland's CAP rural development plan for the period 2000-06 was submitted to the European Commission at the end of December last. This plan covers early retirement along with REPS, compensatory allowances and forestry.