Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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101. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the training and advice element under the beef data and genomics scheme has been tendered out in its current format; if he is aware that such a format means it will be nearly impossible for private agricultural consultants to provide such training, even though they successfully provided such training in the past under the suckler cow scheme, alongside Teagasc; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35146/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Under the Beef Data and Genomics Programme all participants will have to attend general scheme training by the end of October 2016. This training will focus on how participants can best complete the actions under the scheme, while also maximising the potential benefits which the scheme can offer to the their farm. Ireland’s Rural Development Programme specifies that this training will be delivered by a training provider to be selected following an open and transparent public

procurement process. The publication of this tender does not exclude any body or organisation. It is open to a body, group of individuals or organisation to submit a tender provided that all of the eligibility requirements are satisfied. All tenders submitted will be assessed for eligibility purposes and evaluated according to the criteria set out in the tender documentation.

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 the implementation of the beef data and genomics scheme, given the numbers exiting the scheme and the serious concerns expressed to his officials at Elphin mart recently (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35147/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The closing date for the Beef Data & Genomics Programme was 5 June 2015 at which point 29,531 valid applications were received for the programme. 1,519 applicants have subsequently withdrawn from the Programme, a figure which amounts to 5% of all valid applications. This withdrawal rate is in line with previous Suckler Schemes run by my Department. Indeed in recent weeks the Department has been receiving a significant number of calls from applicants looking to join the scheme. The focus has now turned to implementation of the scheme which is well underway and my Department and the ICBF are working closely with scheme participants on the various requirements. This is progressing well with over 255,000 tissue tags sent to scheme applicants to date. This leaves only 70,000 more to be sent out and the ICBF expect that these will be in the post within the next two weeks. Over 70,000 samples have been sent back for genomic testing, which covers over 7,000 herds. This is a very positive start to the BDGP as it means that already 25% of participants have completed their genotyping requirement in the BDGP. A reminder letter will issue to farmers who have not yet sent back their samples by the end of next week. The online facility for recording animal survey data is now open and around 5,500 farmers have used this method to complete their surveys with this number expected to rise.

My Department and the ICBF are working closely with the scheme participants on the various requirements. I have asked Department officials, in conjunction with the ICBF and Teagasc, to hold information meetings for scheme participants and twelve of these are being organised nationwide. These meetings will enable participating farmers to have one to one consultations with Department, ICBF and Teagasc staff in order to query any aspect of the Programme and look at their own personal circumstances with regards to the requirements they will have to fulfil to ensure full compliance.

I have committed to a mid-term review of the operation of the programme, which will include input from all of the stakeholders, including farm organisations. For now, I would like to assure the nearly 30,000 farmers in the scheme of continued support over its lifetime from my Department, Teagasc and ICBF so that they may derive maximum benefit from the scheme for their farm.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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103. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applicants who have withdrawn from the beef data and genomics scheme in 2015 to date; who have re-applied to enter and have been granted permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35148/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) forms part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, and will involve a budget of some €300m over a six year period. The BDGP is intended to improve the quality of the national suckler herd and deliver an accelerated improvement in the environmental sustainability of the beef herd through the application of genomics technology. To date 1,519 applicants have withdrawn from the Beef Data and Genomics Programme. 21 applicants have requested re-entry and all have been accepted.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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104. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications under the beef data and genomics scheme in 2015 to date by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35149/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) forms part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, and will involve a budget of some €300m over a six year period. The BDGP is intended to improve the quality of the national suckler herd and deliver an accelerated improvement in the environmental sustainability of the beef herd through the application of genomics technology. The table sets out the number of applications received on a county by county basis. Officials in my Department are currently finalising the position regarding all applications received including withdrawals, of which there are approximately 1,500, and BVD compliance.