Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the suckler welfare scheme; if the scheme will be cut or abolished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44668/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Suckler Welfare Scheme is a five year Scheme and was introduced to improve welfare standards for beef animals born between 01 January 2008 and 31 December 2012 and to assist in the establishment of a breeding database from which Suckler farmers could identify the best breeding stock for their particular requirements. The Scheme is fully funded by the Exchequer and a recent Value for Money Audit has concluded that the Scheme has largely met its objectives. The continuation of this Scheme will be considered during the forthcoming budgetary process.