Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 391: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which numbers in the suckler herd have fluctuated during the past five years; the extent to which he expects to continue to offer support for this sector in view of the need for maximum output; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31930/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Data on the suckler cow herd over the last 5 years is presented in the following table. The size of the overall national herd, including the beef cow herd, is determined by market forces. Market prices and, ultimately, profitability reflect the relationship between supply and demand with these factors influenced in turn by other variables such as future expectations and input costs.

With regard to Government support for the suckler cow herd, it must be remembered that significant funding is already being channelled into the sector. Payments to farmers by my Department under the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme amounted to €113.5m since its introduction in January 2008. Approximately €20.5m has been paid through the scheme in respect of animals born in 2010 and, depending on the number of successful applicants, this figure could potentially reach €25m by the end of the year. The Suckler Cow Scheme has undoubtedly helped to improve animal husbandry and management practices as well as stabilise beef cow numbers in the aftermath of decoupling. These supports contribute in no small way to underpinning the output quality and overall viability of the sector at farm level.

Furthermore, my Department and its agencies engage in a range of activities that provide a sound framework for the future development of the beef sector. These include the advisory and research output of Teagasc, Bord Bia's Quality Assurance Scheme and its promotional work in expanding beef sales at home and abroad together with the Beef and Sheepmeat Capital Investment Fund for the processing industry. My Department also makes a significant contribution to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation which plays a critical role in improving genetic quality in the suckler herd. In addition, my Department is continuing its efforts to facilitate market access for Irish beef in a range of third countries that can offer alternative outlets to exporters along with real potential for expansion. All these ongoing investments and services serve to underpin the strength of the suckler cow herd.

While the 2012 budgetary process will involve difficult but necessary decisions in relation to public expenditure across all sectors, I can assure the Deputy that I intend to make the best possible use of public funding to ensure that the agrifood sector, including suckler farmers, can continue to make the maximum possible contribution to the national economy.

While producers are currently benefiting from strong prices for all categories of cattle, I recognise that direct supports under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are crucial to the future of the livestock sector and I have repeatedly stated my commitment to protecting the level of supports available to farmers under the CAP post-2013 regime. In this regard, I will use my best endeavours to shield and defend Irish agriculture generally, including suckler cow production, in the forthcoming negotiations on the CAP reform package.

Source: CSO December livestock data.

*Revised data sourced from administrative records.