The Suckler Welfare Scheme was a five-year Scheme for beef breed animals born during the period 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012 in herds owned by eligible participants. This Scheme was fully funded by the Exchequer. In the context of Budget 2013, I announced that, given the existing Scheme had reached the end of its projected life and achieved its aim, I had secured funding for a new support programme for suckler beef farmers to participate in a Beef Data Programme. A total of €10 million has been allocated for this programme in 2013, which is financed from unspent Single Farm Payment Funds.
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. In terms of support for the beef sector, I also announced that the Beef Technology Adoption Programme would be retained for 2013. This Programme, which provides for funding of €5m this year, will continue to provide farmers with better information to increase profitability on farms.
In excess of €150 million has been paid to participants in the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme since its inception. Payments amounting to €30 million were made during 2011 and a further €27.4 million during 2012. I have also made funding of €10 million available in 2013 to continue to make payments for animals, born before 31 December 2012, that become eligible during 2013.
My Department believes that this provision will be sufficient to cover outstanding liabilities under the Scheme, given that payment has already been made, where possible, on animals born between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2011. As regards those animals born in 2012, it will be some time yet before the final picture emerges given the need to establish that the qualifying criteria have been complied with, particularly the weaning requirement.
In total, therefore, taking account of the other initiatives to which I have referred, a total of €25 million has been earmarked to support the beef sector in 2013. I believe that this represents a significant achievement in the current challenging budgetary situation and reflects the Government’s commitment to the sector. As regards 2014, it is too early to comment meaningfully in any specific terms, and I will review the matter in light of the budgetary situation and competing demands as preparation for the 2014 budgetary cycle commences.
