Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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420. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of beef data and genomics programme payments that are outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53493/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) forms a part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. It involves funding of €300 million over the six year programme and addresses widely acknowledged weaknesses in the maternal genetics of the Irish suckler herd, makes a positive contribution to farmer profitability and reduces the greenhouse gas intensity of Ireland’s beef production.

There are 24,544 participants in the Beef Data and Genomics Programme in 2018. Payments to 21,673 of these commenced on the week of the 10th of December 2018. The remaining applicants have outstanding issues and some may become eligible for payment once these matters are resolved. Payments will continue to issue on an on-going basis as more farmers verify their compliance with the 2018 scheme requirements.