Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1183. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of animals and average herd size in the beef data and genomics scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1122/18]

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

The suckler sector is a vital component of Ireland's rural economy and the provision of support for the suckler sector is critically important. The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is the current primary support for the Irish suckler sector and makes provision for some €300 million of funding over the next six years to beef farmers.

The Beef Data and  Genomics Programme provides for six years of payments to farmers for completion of actions which deliver accelerated genetic improvement in the Irish national herd and improvement of its environmental sustainability.

24,923 farmers are currently participating  in the Beef Data and Genomics Programme across both tranches (23,395 in I and 1, 528 in II) with a total of 533,446 reference animals (504,272 & 29,174).The average herd size is 21.4 animals.

Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1184. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the yearly spend in each year of the beef data and genomics programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1123/18]

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

The Beef Data and Genomics Programme provides for six years of payments to farmers for completion of actions which deliver accelerated genetic improvement in the Irish national herd and improvement of its environmental sustainability. 

Payments made in the calendar years 2015 to 2017 are set out in the following table.