Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

157. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the sum of money retained from farmers in the beef data genomics scheme in 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43081/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Beef Data & Genomics Programme (BDGP) was introduced in 2015 to build on and expand breeding data gathered under the Beef Data Programme (2013 & 2014) and Beef Genomics Scheme (2014).

Under the Terms and Conditions of the BDGP participants are required to submit data and take genomic samples from a prescribed number of animals. Where all of the data and/ or genomic samples were not received, a reduction was applied to the participant's payment. With regard to 2016 scheme year payment a reduction was also applied where the training course was not attended or the carbon navigator not completed within the specified timeframes.

Deductions of €760,551.06 have been made from payments amounting to €44m in respect of the 2015 Programme year and €608,541.68 from payments of €42m for the 2016 Programme year.

Payments for the 2017 Programme year are scheduled to commence in December 2017.