Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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156. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments under the 2014 beef data scheme will be completed; if there will be any linear cut to these payments, due to excessive demand under the scheme; the proposed linear cut; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25226/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The processing of applications under the Beef Data Programme is at an advanced stage. Payments under the Programme will commence before the end of June. Under the Programme, farmers who participate are required to submit the required data on suckler cows and their calves after birth and again after the calves are weaned. The Deputy will be aware that elements of the Beef Data Programme and the nationally funded Beef Genomics Scheme were amalgamated in the new Beef Data and Genomics Programme funded under the 2014 – 2020 Rural Development Programme. In that regard, it is very encouraging that the level of participation in the Beef Data Programme increased by 21% to 32,300 participants in 2014. In view of the increased participation level in the Programme and the fact that the Commitment 2 data (e.g. quality and docility of calf) is still being submitted by farmers in respect of autumn born calves, I have decided that payments under this year’s Programme should be staggered with an 80% advance payable immediately with the balancing payment issuing later this year when the 2014 processing is completed. The 2013 rates of aid will continue to apply this year, these were as follows:

The 80% advance payment details are as follows:

It is also important that the 10% Modulation deduction, which applied to the combined payments in excess of € 2,000 under the Single Payment Scheme, the Grassland Sheep Scheme and the Beef Data Programme in 2013, is not deductible under the 2014 Programme.