Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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324. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who have submitted data notifications under the beef data and genomics programme 2015; the number who have submitted the required genomic testing under the same programme to date; the number of farmers who have received payments to date for 2015; the amount paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12122/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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23,066 farmers have submitted data notifications under the Beef Data and Genomics Program (BDGP). 23,464 farmers have submitted genotyping samples. To date , payments amounting to just under €38 million have issued to almost 21,000 herds under the Beef Data and Genomics Program. Payments are continuing on an ongoing basis as compliance is achieved.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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325. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who applied to join the beef data and genomics programme; the number of these who have informed his Department that they wish to leave the programme; the number of farmers of the remainder who have failed to furnish any genomic testing results to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12123/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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A total of 29,865 applicants were accepted into the Beef Data and Genomics Programme, of which 4,615 applicants have now withdrawn. Of those herds that had withdrawn 125 applicants subsequently requested re-entry and were duly accepted. A further 132 herds have been excluded due to the absence of eligible animals. Approximately 1,200 herds have not returned any genomic samples. My Department recently issued a letter to all of these applicants and is finalising the position regarding each applicant as replies are received.

A further 3,000 herds have not submitted sufficient samples and/or data to be eligible for payment at this point. My Department will shortly make contact with these herdowners to remind them to submit all outstanding samples and/or data to facilitate payment.