Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The management and operation of the sustainable beef and lamb assurance scheme (SBLAS), of which there are approximately 53,000 members. is an operational matter for Bord Bia.

A core element of the SBLAS is a sustainability audit which features a carbon footprint measurement. The primary objective of the carbon footprint measurement is to enable the quantification of all of the environmentally sustainable activity carried out by Irish farmers.

The SBLAS sustainability audit, including the Carbon Footprint measurement, is developed on an internationally verified quality assurance model. There is no direct cost to the farmer for participation in the SBLAS, as the costs of the audits are funded by my Department.

As the Deputy may be aware, the carbon footprint measurement is both an eligibility requirement and an integral element of the proposed Suckler Carbon Efficiency Scheme under the new CAP. In designing the scheme, in consultation with farming stakeholders, the Department gave detailed consideration to all aspects of the scheme design including potential mechanisms for delivery of the carbon foot-printing requirement. I am satisfied that the chosen scheme design is the most appropriate.