Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Department's recent communication on the beef data genomics programme lists the identification numbers and star ratings of cows in the scheme but does not indicate whether they are eligible. The scheme is complicated and involves three and four star designations for cattle and rules that apply to cattle bought into a herd after 2013. Given that the Department has all of the relevant data, it would be simple to include in the communication an additional column indicating that a cow was either eligible or non-eligible, possibly using the abbreviations "E" and "NE". This would simplify the process for farmers who will be required to have a certain number of animals in their herd that are fully eligible or have money clawed back.

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