John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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152. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to set out the number of applications under the beef data and genomics programme II that have been disqualified from the scheme to date due to not having completed a carbon navigator; if this was as a result of an error by the applicant or the carbon navigator advisor in each case; if his Department will show leniency in cases in which the applicant is not at fault but stands to lose substantial income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2329/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Beef Data and Genomics Programme 2017 - 2022 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. As part of the scheme applicants must complete a carbon navigator with an approved advisor thereafter and provide data for an annual update to their carbon navigator. Where this Carbon Navigator is not completed, applicants will be removed from the Programme.

Of the 1,896 herdowners that initially applied to join BDGP II, there were 131 instances where a Carbon Navigator was not completed with an approved advisor. Completion of this involves making an appointment with an advisor and takes roughly 90 minutes to complete. The onus remains with the applicant at all times to ensure that this is completed. Where applicants feel they have grounds to appeal they may do so in writing to my Department.