Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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718. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if membership of a domestic scheme run by a semi-State body (details supplied) will be a requirement for entry in the suckler carbon efficiency programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56903/21]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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741. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter regarding direct payments for suckler farmers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57415/21]

Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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743. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for making membership of An Bord Bia's sustainable beef and lamb assurance scheme mandatory for those wishing to participate in the proposed new suckler carbon efficiency scheme; if he will consider removing this compulsory element for participation of the suckler efficiency scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57443/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 718, 741 and 743 together.

Membership of the Bord Bia Sustainable Beef and Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme (SBLAS) is an eligibility condition of the proposed Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) as part of Ireland's draft CAP strategic plan. The full details of the draft CAP strategic plan are available on the Department's website.

A core metric underpinning this environmental schemes is the measurement and tracking of the carbon footprint for each participant farm. The sustainability survey in the SBLAS audit provides a carbon footprint using an established model.

My view is that it is imperative that the scheme includes strong and measurable environmental actions which will further drive the environmental efficiency of suckler beef farming, as well as contributing to the sector's efficiency and competitiveness and supporting farm incomes.

The Deputy will be aware that the costs associated with SBLAS audits are funded directly by my Department rather than by the participating beef and sheep farmers.