Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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610. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the calculations his Department conducted pertaining to the average payment per animal under the beef data and genomics programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19696/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Payment for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme was agreed with the European Commission on a costs incurred and income forgone basis as per the terms of the Rural Development Regulation (Reg. 1305/2013). The economic benefits of participation were also factored into the calculations.

As this is an article 28 measure under the Rural Development Regulation payments must be made on per hectare basis. Using a stocking density of 1.5 calved suckler cows, compensation is set at a maximum level of €95 for the first 10 animals equating to €142.50 per hectare for the first 6.666 hectares. This is adjusted to €120 per hectare for subsequent hectares equivalent to €80 per animal.