John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will issue an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55055/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Suckler Welfare Scheme was introduced in 2008 for animals born between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012. The objective of the Scheme was to improve the welfare standards in beef breed animals and develop over time a breeding database from which Suckler farmers could identify the breeding stock which best suited their requirements. Accordingly, it is a condition of the Scheme that a Suckler farmer had to participate in the Scheme from its inception or from the time they became active in this area. It was possible for new entrants to Suckler farming to join the Scheme in the year that they commenced Suckler farming.

While the person named only applied to join the Suckler Welfare Scheme in 2012, Department records show that beef-breed animals were present in the herd since 2009. The applicant was informed in writing of the non acceptance of her application on 30 August 2012. An appeal was received on 5 September 2012 and, following review, the decision was upheld.

The person named was advised of the position in a letter dated 17 September and was advised of her right to appeal the decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office. To date no appeal has been received.