Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
771. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if calves born after the cut-off date for the beef dairy calf programme in 2022 will be eligible for inclusion in the 2023 dairy beef calf scheme in view of a retro-eligibility measure being undertaken by his Department to facilitate those with calves born after 1 July 2021 to be included in the 2022 dairy beef calf scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12892/22]
View answer773. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an annual review will be carried out by his Department to determine the funding allocation for the beef dairy calf programme over the duration of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12894/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 771 and 773 together.
Details of the 2022 dairy beef calf measure are currently being finalised and will be announced shortly.
In relation to future of the scheme in 2023 and beyond, as the Deputy may be aware, a continuation of this measure is proposed as part of Ireland's CAP strategic plan which was submitted to the EU Commission at the end of 2021. The details of the measure will be announced following the ongoing EU and national approvals processes for the CAP Strategic Plan.
However, in the context of the design of the scheme, consideration is always given to the need for both continuity of support for farmers and the collection of comprehensive performance data for the national herd to achieve policy objectives.
In relation to funding allocations, rates payable under the dairy beef calf measure are developed on the principle of costs incurred and income foregone. Rates for this and similar schemes are subject to ongoing review in my Department.
