Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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333. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the arrangements and locations for the suckler carbon efficiency programme courses, given the difficulty for many doing these courses online and the long distances involved for a large number travelling to the locations currently proposed for these courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37420/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) aims to provide support to beef farmers to improve the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd. The programme aims to build on the gains delivered in recent years through the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) and the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme (BEEP) by improving the genetic merit of the Irish suckler herd.

One of the eligibility requirements for continued participation in the programme is the completion of SCEP training by 15 November 2024. The online course consists of a brief explainer video and seven course modules. The course is accessible online using the pin number provided in the information letter issued to participants by post and via their agfood account.

The online course is laid out in a very user friendly format; it is easy to navigate and key information is conveyed effectively in relatively short modules, including interesting demonstration videos. The online training is preferential for the majority of participants given that it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at a location of their choosing. Already, 6,200 SCEP participants have fully completed their online training with a further 2,285 currently progressing through the modules.

Earlier this year, I committed to monitoring the uptake of SCEP training and holding a number of in-person SCEP training events to assist those who do not have internet access or the support to access online training. On 11 September, I announced that in-person SCEP Training events will be held in five venues in strategically selected locations to maximise accessibility for participants. These will commence week beginning Monday 30th September in Kilkenny, Mullingar, Claremorris, Charleville and Ballybofey. Participants must register in advance to book their place and as of Friday 20th September, circa 500 SCEP participants have registered to attend an in-person session.

My Department will continue to monitor the uptake of the training, continuously assessing the numbers completed and adjusting communications regarding the training, and providing additional supports to farmers as the closing date of 15 November 2024 for completion approaches, should it be required.