Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

9. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied with the progress of the beef data and genomics scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41245/15]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We might get through a lot of today's questions yet. On the beef data and genomics scheme, how many samples have gone in and how many hectares does that represent? What is the likely payment by Christmas? I want to establish the level of active participants in the scheme. It would be said that there is considerable disquiet about the scheme over the penalty regime and the uncertainties therein, as admitted by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, ICBF, particularly regarding bulls that are now rated as five star and might prove to be one-star or two-star bulls in future, with their progeny affected accordingly.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I think there was disquiet at the start, but it is wrong to say there is considerable disquiet now. The disquiet I have now is that more people want to get into the scheme. They want to know if it is fully subscribed and if we will reopen it. That is the pressure I have been getting. I accept there was considerable concern at the start, especially in understanding the star rating system and whether there were penalties for farmers who could not achieve their targets in a few years time. However, many farmers have been reassured by the public meetings we have held in recent weeks where most of the questions were answered.

If there are continuing problems with the scheme, we will fix them. We will have a mid-term review of the scheme. We will have a committee to which the farming organisations and officials will contribute to ensure we iron out any problems. I have no agenda to try to catch out farmers. This is about putting in place a scheme that uses the science of genomics to help farmers make much more informed decisions about how they breed their animals in order that we can improve the quality of the herd.

It is also a climate change measure because the better the breeding in the suckler beef herd, the faster animals will grow and the better confirmation, fertility rates, ease of calving and temperament they will have from a farm safety point of view, so this is a win-win for everybody. We will spend between €300 million and €350 million on this.

I will answer some of the Deputy's questions now. I may have to come back later. I want to reassure people.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Minister has 34 seconds left.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There will be another round.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We had 14 years of-----

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy O'Donovan is here.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have not gone away.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

He certainly has not. The implementation of the scheme has progressed well. I will give Deputy Ó Cuív some figures to chew on. More than 252,500 samples have been sent back from genomic testing thus far, which covers more than 19,100 herds. This is a positive response rate for the scheme as it means that 71% of participants have sent back tissue samples. The scheme is working.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The figure I was given by the Minister was 252,672, which is more than 252,000.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Why did the Deputy ask for the figure if he already has it?

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I was seeking the updated position. I note, however, that the figure has not increased since I tabled the question some time ago.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am glad I am consistent at any rate.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am also glad the Department is consistent.

The figure provided represents 71% of farmers. Funding of €52 million was provided for the beef data and genomics programme in the Estimate this year. I note in the small print of the Supplementary Estimate that it provides for savings of €17 million in this scheme. Will the Minister confirm that he expects an underspend of €17 million in the programme this year?

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There is no confirmed underspend this year. I will have a Supplementary Estimate to provide for additional expenditure in the Department as opposed to an underspend in the Department. We will discuss the reasons for the Supplementary Estimate when it is presented to the House. I do not envisage €53 million will be spent on the beef data and genomics programme this year not because we do not want to spend this sum, but based on the number of applications submitted to the Department, the rate of approval and so forth. Expenditure on the programme will be considerable, however, and while I do not wish to provide a precise figure, it will be in the region of €45 million.

Following consultations with farming organisations and Members, my priority was to ensure a beef genomics scheme was up and running and a significant chunk of money was paid to suckler beef farmers before the end of the year. We are on track to achieve these objectives. I assure the Deputy that, over time, we will get as many farmers as possible into the scheme and spend the full budgetary allocation over the lifetime of the rural development programme.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Minister published a Supplementary Estimate which provides for a significant overspend arising from the need to pay a fine to Europe. According to the small print, a saving of €17 million is anticipated in the beef genomics scheme. Unless the position has radically changed, Departments take a conservative approach to Supplementary Estimates. For example, if an Estimate provides for a saving of €17 million, this will be the minimum figure and the final savings could be higher. That is the way the system works. In my experience, a Department never provided for a saving if there was a possibility that it would not be achieved. That was the procedure to be followed. Will the Minister confirm that the Department is budgeting for an underspend of €17 million, which means expenditure on the scheme will be less than €40 million and not more than €40 million, as he indicated?

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No, I cannot confirm that figure as that is not the plan. We will know what the figures are at the end of the year when we calculate the overspend versus overspend, taking account of the Supplementary Estimates. Until all moneys have been paid out and each section of the Department has finalised its figures for the year, we will not have a final figure. I do not accept the point the Deputy makes.