Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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32. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide funding to an organisation (details supplied) in view of the funding shortfall from the organisation's levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20876/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The ICBF was established in 1998 following a number of years of industry consultation among all stakeholders in the cattle breeding industry.

ICBF is the only body approved under EU legislation (Commission Decision 2006/427/EC) to carry out testing, genetic evaluation and publication of breeding values for Irish dairy and beef cattle.

The objective of the ICBF is to achieve the greatest possible genetic improvement in the national cattle herd for the benefit of Irish farmers and the national dairy and beef industries. The organisation delivers a public good in the area of cattle breed improvement which is the foundation of a profitable and sustainable dairy and beef herd.

It is a ‘farmer led’ body receiving its funding from a number of sources including farmers, the breeding industry and with state support. A critical funding source has been the tag levy. However a drop in levy collection has arisen, leading to uncertainty for ICBF.   Solutions to the financial issues are being explored by ICBF with industry stakeholders and DAFM and discussions are on-going.