Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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386. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an exemption will be made for a person (details supplied) in County Clare who missed the closing date for the beef finisher payment scheme which had a very short window for application and given the stresses and strains on farmers due to Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40830/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Beef Finisher Payment (BFP) scheme is a one off, exchequer funded grant aid scheme under the Covid 19 State Aid Temporary Framework. The objective of the BFP has been to provide support for beef finishing farms in Ireland which have been severely impacted by the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The scheme was open to all beef farmers who presented animals for slaughter in the period 1st February 2020 to 12th June 2020 inclusive and fulfil the requirements set out in the Terms and Conditions of the scheme.

The application system was available from the 20th August and closed on 9th September. The application process was very simple and straightforward with my Department introducing flexibility to facilitate farmers making their applications. The scheme was well publicised in the agri-media with my Department posting advertisements in local and national print and digital media. In addition, there has been an ongoing targeted SMS text campaign to farmers such as the person named who were otherwise eligible for a payment but who had not applied.

My Department has no record of any correspondence from the person named setting out particular grounds of appeal in relation to a late application. Should such details be submitted, my officials will examine the case outlined.

Payments under the BFP totalling €46.6M issued to some 27,192 applicants in November of this year.