Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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222. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of participants in the sustainable lamb assurance scheme, by county, in tabular form; and the costs the Exchequer incurs for this scheme annually. [31941/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Quality Assurance Schemes operated by Bord Bia have been developed over a period of years and extend beyond the farm gate as vertical industry integrated schemes. They are voluntary in nature. The Beef Quality Assurance Scheme commenced in 2004, and a Lamb Scheme commenced in 2007. A combined Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme commenced in January 2011. Both beef and lamb feature in the Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme launched in April 2017. An amount of €6 million has been provided in 2017 for independent on farm inspection and certification. The scheme is run by Bord Bia. I have asked Bord Bia to provide the Deputy with the information requested.