Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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102. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review some of the compliance conditions set down in the new beef data and genomics programme; the process for a family not to receive a claw-back, if the farmer passes away during the six years of the programme; the process for a widow not to receive a claw-back if the farmer passes away during the six years of the programme, and there is no farming successor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19062/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) has been approved as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme. Its legal basis is Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. This Article provides for agri-environment and climate change measures and requires that commitments under this measure be undertaken for a minimum period of five years. The BDGP will run for 6 years. The scheme is an innovative, technology driven scheme which aims to bring about accelerated genomic gain in the national suckler herd, with a particular focus on the maternal efficiency traits of these animals, such as the amount of milk they produce. These maternal traits should allow our beef herd to become more environmentally sustainable. Improving these maternal efficiency traits in the suckler herd is a win-win situation – it reduces GHG emissions and improves economic returns on each farm.

The scheme will place Ireland at the forefront of climate friendly agriculture and further the “Green” image of our beef production, which has served us well in high value markets around the world.

In common with other agri-environmental schemes, where a participant does not undertake all of the commitments for the full duration of the Programme, or withdraws from the Programme, then any payments already made will be recovered.

It is possible however that in certain “force majeure” circumstances, a participant may withdraw from the Programme without penalty. “Force majeure” circumstances specified in the regulations include the death of a beneficiary so in that unfortunate event, provided all Terms and Conditions had been complied with up until the death of the beneficiary, there would be no clawback of monies already paid.