As part of the changes made to some schemes implemented by my Department for 2013, I allocated €10 million in 2013, financed from unspent Single Farm Payment Funds, for a new support programme for suckler beef farmers to participate in a new Beef Data Programme. This programme will assist farmers in improving the genetic quality of Irish cattle and will maintain the data flow into ICBF in order to build further knowledge and more rapid progress in breeding and ultimately in profitability for farmers. The exact details and requirements of the proposed Beef Data Programme are still under consideration. Full details of the Programme will be announced in the coming weeks.