Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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343. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a 2023 sheep census will be accepted from a farmer in County Kerry (details supplied), given they had corresponded with his Department in relation to the census submission before the deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27915/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Sheep Improvement Scheme is funded under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan. It provides support to sheep farmers for carrying out actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector. It builds on the progress made by the Sheep Welfare Scheme (SWS), which has now come to an end.

As part of the eligibility requirements as outlined in the Terms and Conditions of the scheme applicants must have submitted a Sheep Census return within the specified timeframe for each year during the lifetime of the scheme.

The closing date for return of the December 2023 Sheep Census was 31^st January 2024 for paper census forms while the deadline for online census submission was 14^th February 2024.

The late submission of Sheep Census returns was accepted as valid for the Sheep Improvement Scheme for a 26 calendar day period after the 14^th February 2024. However, deductions to the Sheep Improvement Scheme payments at a rate of 1% per working day apply to late census returns received during this period.

Where an applicant submits a Sheep Census return after the 26-calendar day period has expired, i.e. after 11th March 2024, the applicant will not be eligible for payment for year 2 of the Sheep Improvement Scheme.

Records show that the person named submitted their 2023 census return after the above dates and therefore is not eligible for payment for year 2 of the scheme.

However if the applicant feels that they have grounds for a force majeure case or exceptional circumstances as to why their 2023 census return was late the applicant should contact, in writing, the Sheep Improvement Scheme Section of my Department and include any supporting documentation that is relevant to their case.