Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2021
721. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has considered extending by one month the deadline for the submission of dung samples for faecal egg count testing as a part of the BEEP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56989/21]
View answerThe objective of the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme – Suckler (BEEP - S) is to further increase economic and environmental efficiency in the suckler herd through better quality data on herd performance, supporting decision making on farm and support of best practice in welfare management. It is a clear example of my commitment to the suckler sector.
Applications were made via my Department's online application system at www.agfood.ie. In addition to the mandatory weighing requirement, participants had the choice of two additional animal welfare measures. The first of these involves the meal feeding of calves as part of the weaning process or carrying out a vaccination programme in conjunction with the participants veterinary practitioner. The second optional measure was to submit samples to a participating laboratory for faecal testing.
The 1st October deadline for 2021 was emphasised in the Terms and Conditions of the scheme and Press Releases when the scheme opened in March 2021. The date was also included in the approval letter that issued to all successful applicants for the scheme in 2021. My Department also issued an SMS text to all BEEP-S participants in July 2021 once again reminding them of the 1st October 2021 closing date.
