Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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914. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications that were received for the suckler carbon efficiency programme; the number that were accepted to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47964/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The objective of the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) is to provide support to suckler and beef farmers to improve the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd. The programme aims to build on the gains delivered in recent years through the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) and the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme (BEEP) by improving the genetic merit of the Irish suckler herd. I am confident that SCEP will drive further improvements in our already world-class suckler and beef herds. It will also be a crucial income support for these farmers.

The online applications system for SCEP opened on 20 March 2023 and closed on 22 May 2023. There was a 25-calendar day period after 22 May 2023 closing date during which late applications are accepted with a reduction in payment of 1% per working day. Applications received after the 25 days period were ineligible.

There were 20,837 applications received under SCEP. Applications are not deemed approved until they meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the terms and conditions of the scheme.

As at 01 November 2023, some 858 herdowners withdrew from SCEP and 2,352 participants were removed from SCEP due to non-compliance of the eligibility criteria under the programme. This leaves 17,627 participants in the programme.

Payments for scheme year one will commence in December 2023.

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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915. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications that were received for the national beef welfare scheme; the number that were accepted to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47965/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The objective of the National Beef Welfare Scheme (NBWS) is to further increase the economic efficiency of and enhance animal health and husbandry on suckler farms.

Applications for this scheme were accepted through the www.Agfood.ie online portal from 03 August 2023. The original closing date of 12 September 2023 was extended to 23.59hrs on 26 September in order that applications could be facilitated at my Department's stand at the National Ploughing Championships in Co. Laois.The extension was publicised on my Department's website and social media channels.

16,424 eligible applications were successfully submitted by the closing date on 26 September 2023. Payments to all eligible participants will commence week beginning the 11 December 2023.