Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Yes. In the overall scheme, the commitment is €300 million. If one looks at other schemes that have wound down, for example, REPS 4, we are still paying some money out under it because of the delay in applications and some hang-over issues, even though the scheme is closed and has been gone for quite a while. There are still some delays. The commitment, which is absolute, is that the €300 million will be used in the beef data and genomics scheme. I think members will agree that notwithstanding the initial wariness of the scheme, for want of a better term, there is an acceptance that it can deliver significantly in a host of areas in terms of improving the genetic composition of the herd, climate change objectives and so on. The absolute commitment is that not withstanding the accounting procedures in respect of not having the expected drawdown in 2015 along with the roll-over of €17 million into 2016, the equivalent in the overall scheme is that the €300 million is available for the beef data and genomics programme. I can arrange to get a more detailed note to Deputy McConalogue, if he wishes, on the exact financial manoeuvres that have seen the late drawdown, the additional roll-over into 2016 and the commitment in the programme over the lifetime of the rural development plan.