Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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633. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a matter (details supplied) in relation to the new Eurostar evaluation will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55251/23]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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634. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter in relation to the latest evaluation change (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55281/23]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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637. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for changes by an organisation (details supplied); if there are avenues for appeals for owners who have had their ratings changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55390/23]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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638. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of the widespread concerns of farmers in relation to recent changes introduced to the Eurostar evaluations by an organisation (details supplied) and the difficulties it is causing for some farmers participating in the suckler carbon efficiency programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55395/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 620, 633, 634, 637 and 638 together.

The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) is the body approved in Ireland in accordance with relevant EU legislation to conduct testing, genetic evaluation and publication of breeding values for dairy and beef cattle have recently updated beef breeding indexes.

This was the first major update since 2015, based predominately on changing economic drivers such as feed costs and beef prices. A modest adjustment also took place based on earlier slaughter of animals, tuberculosis resistance, carcass specifications and lower methane output.

I understand that prior to the updates, Continentals (Charolais, Limousin and Belgian Blue) were the most desirable Terminal cattle breeds and they continue to be the most desirable after the changes. With regard to the Replacement Index, the top three most desirable replacement breeds (Aberdeen Angus, Limousin and Simmental) remain as the top three after the changes.

ICBF have communicated extensively on changes to the beef indexes, including with breed societies, since the changes were announced. ICBF has recently committed to convening an industry stakeholder forum to address issues and concerns raised by suckler farmers and pedigree breeders and I welcome this engagement.

The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme aims to provide support to suckler farmers to improve the profitability and environmental sustainability of the national beef herd. I understand from ICBF that 84% of 4-5 Star animals prior to the changes will retain their 4-5 Star status after the changes.

Animals in SCEP herds whose Index falls will not be impacted by the changes unless the SCEP participant sells an animal that has gone down in rating. It is only when this animal moves out of this herd, its 3 Star rating will become applicable and it will no longer meet the 4 and 5 Star eligibility criteria. I understand that any other issues will be addressed in the coming months in the stakeholder forum and communications will be issued to SCEP participants by ICBF. I will continue to monitor any impact on SCEP farmers closely.

I am confident that the amended indexes will contribute to the overall profitability and sustainability of beef production at farm level and my Department will continue to monitor the impact of the amended indexes on SCEP participants.