Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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390. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree if any to which rare bovine herds or sheep flocks are protected or otherwise encouraged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27397/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I believe that it is important to ensure the preservation and protection of rare breed farm animals as a genetic resource for future generations and for the benefit of agriculture in general. The Rare Breeds measure in my Department's GLAS Scheme sets out to retain and, where possible, increase populations of specific rare breed animals (including bovines and ovines) to ensure their long-term protection and survival. The scheme encourages farmers to register with a relevant breed society and maintain registered purebred stock during the scheme's lifetime. Payment is made in arrears based on the monthly average livestock units of owned registered animals over the previous recording year. There are currently in the region of 870 herds availing of this measure.

Similarly, a grant is provided to encourage the maintenance of a number of herds of Kerry Cattle and the creation and maintenance of a sufficient reserve of purebred breeding stock in that regard. My Department also provides a small grant to assist organisations conserve and protect Irish rare breed farm animals.

In addition my Department facilitates rare breed conservation through the Genetic Resources Grant Aid Scheme (GRGAS) which has been in place since 1996. The Scheme has an annual call for projects aimed at supporting the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture. Funding has been provided for a diverse range of projects such as raising awareness and educating the general public in the importance of genetic resources, for participation in internationally recognised research and collaboration with European and other international partners in the field of animal genetic resources. The effects of the grant aid are far reaching and play a vitally important role in fulfilling Ireland's international obligations in relation to the conservation of animal genetic resources.