Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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394. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the discussions, if any, which his Department has had with An Post to facilitate those without Internet access availing of the online calf registration system; the cost to his Department of maintaining the current paper-based system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12146/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Keepers may register their calves through an outsourced agency via a paper based application process using a 'white card' or by an “animal events” form or on-line via the internet. Keepers who do not have internet access have the option of registering their calves using approved agents who can be a Teagasc adviser, an agricultural consultant, the local vet, a family member or any third party nominated by the keeper. The cost of the calf registration process, including electronic and paper based systems, which has an outsourced component is borne in full by my Department. It is not possible to provide a detailed breakdown of the precise cost of maintaining a paper based system but in 2014 the cost of the outsourcing work associated with calf birth registrations amounted to €4.4 million.

My Department is making every effort to encourage farmers to use the on-line system when registering their calves and, while there is already a wide range of options open to farmers who do not have access to the internet, it will explore with An Post whether it can facilitate online registration of bovines on behalf of keepers.