Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 21: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the outturn for 2010 expected in the suckler cow welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45277/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Suckler Welfare Scheme was introduced in 2008 and fully funded by the Irish Exchequer. The primary aim of the Scheme is to improve the quality of the national beef herd. A two-pronged approach is being taken to achieve these aims – firstly through improving the welfare of the animals and secondly through the development of an extensive database which will identify the best beef breeding stock in the country.

In regard to the welfare elements of the Scheme participants are required to carry out a number of measures including:

ensuring that heifers are older than 24 months at the time of first calving,

registration of the animals using the Animal Event Sheets,

disbudding within two weeks of birth,

castration within six months of birth if the animals are to be castrated,

provide meal to the calves for at least four weeks before weaning and

not selling the animals for at least two weeks after weaning while continuing to provide meal to the calves

gradual weaning, i.e. for herds of more than 10 cows the weaning must be carried out in more than one group with at least 5 days between the weaning of each group.

Payments to farmers under the Suckler Welfare Scheme is entirely dependent on the participants submitting, on a timely basis, details of the measures required in the appropriate forms and ensuring that the data completed on the forms is accurate. It is also dependent on the farmer registering the birth and movement of his or her animals correctly on AIM.

Payments made to date by my Department under this Scheme in 2010 amount to €22.6 million of which €1.6 million relates to 2008 born calves and €21 million in respect of the 2009 born calves. I have taken a number of initiatives during recent weeks with a view to ensuring that the maximum number of payments will issue to suckler farmers between now and the end of the year. Mindful of the fact, as already stated, that the level of payments are determined by the timeliness and accuracy of the data submitted by the farmers, my Department has written to over 15,000 participants reminding them of the need to submit details of the Scheme measures. I would also remind farmers to respond immediately to any outstanding queries issued by my Department and to take care that the information submitted is accurate.

In view of the initiatives that I have taken and with good co-operation from the farmers in submitting the required forms and responding to queries, I am satisfied that the maximum amount payable under this Scheme of €30m will be paid by end of December.