91 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the exact date he will commence the new EC farm retirement pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22944/00]

The new scheme of early retirement from farming, which forms part of my Department's rural development plan, was approved by the European Commission on 28 September 2000. The detailed provisions of the new scheme have been the subject of consultation with the farming organisations in accordance with commitments in the protocol on direct payments to farmers arising from the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. These consultations have been concluded and the necessary scheme documentation, including terms and conditions and application forms, is being finalised. The scheme of early retirement from farming will commence in about four weeks.

Does the Minister agree it is more than 12 months since the old farm retirement scheme was discontinued? What will happen to farmers who would have qualified for a pension if the new scheme had been introduced as soon as the old one ceased? Why has it taken 12 months for the EC to approve the new scheme? Did the Department delay in applying for approval of the new scheme? On what exact date will application forms for the new scheme be issued by the Department and when can the farmers concerned apply for the farm retirement scheme? There must be no dilly dallying or beating about the bush. I want an exact date.

The old scheme ended on 31 December 1999.

That is almost 12 months ago.

The European Union held up the scheme and final approval was received only on 26 September. Many delays are occurring in the EU, particularly regarding measures which are seen to be additional. One of the new items we sought was the inclusion of part-time farmers in the scheme. I am glad Deputy Sheehan is happy that part-time farmers can join the scheme if 25%, not 50%, of their income comes from farming. Equally transferees who derive 25% of their income from farming qualify for the farm retirement scheme. The new rate will be £10,624 and will be paid for a maximum of ten years.

What about inflation?

That was refused, as the Deputy is aware.

The Minister is still beating about the bush. He has not told us the exact date.

That is not a question, Deputy Sheehan.

Read the question, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I asked on what exact date will the farm retirement scheme commence. When will the Department distribute the application forms to Teagasc offices throughout the country? Can farmers who have been waiting for the past 12 months to participate in the new scheme immediately transfer their farms to their sons or daughters?

The scheme will be available in four weeks' time. Meanwhile a solicitor could begin a transfer. It will take a solicitor longer to prepare the transfer of a farm than the Department to prepare the scheme.

We will not hold our breath.

Is the Deputy referring to solicitors?

I am referring to the Department.

Deputy Wright misjudges the Department.

If a farmer goes ahead and transfers a farm immediately, will the date of the deed of transfer be upheld by the Department?

No, not until the person has approval under the scheme. Why would anyone buy a pig in a poke? Farmers should wait to see the details of the scheme. I am giving the broad outlines of it. It will include more people than ever before. Deputy Sheehan will be happy to know that part-time farmers, of whom there are many in west Cork, will now be included in the scheme.

Not before time.

Transferees can also be included as part-time farmers.

When will the explanatory memorandum be available?

Shortly. Application forms will be delivered personally to Deputy Sheehan.

I will hold the Minister to that.