Niamh Smyth
Question:775. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review a case (details supplied); if the matter will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13012/22]
View answerTuesday, 8 March 2022
Questions (775)
Written answers
Applications from participants in the 2020 Beef Data and Genomics Programme who were deemed eligible to continue their participation in the BDGP 2021 transitional programme could be submitted using the Department’s online facility through www.agfood.ie either by the applicant themselves or by an individual authorised to act on their behalf.
The opening date for receipt of applications was 15th December 2020 and the closing date for receipt of applications was 15th January 2021.
Applications were also accepted by means of response to a dedicated SMS text message that issued to all eligible farmers who had agreed to receive SMS text alerts from the Department. This was to facilitate farmers who could either not access the online facility or who were restricted from meeting their agent due to public health guidelines.
Three separate SMS text messages issued to herdowners by the Department requesting a reply if they wished to extend their participation in BDGP. The first SMS issued on 18th December 2020. The second issued on 8th January 2021 to those who had not yet applied for the rollover of BDGP while the third issued on 12th January 2021 to those who had still not replied.
The person named was issued a letter from the Department in December 2020, informing him that he was eligible to apply for the extension and explaining the application procedure. Department records also show that the person named was sent SMS messages, but no reply was ever received.
As no valid application was received from the person named he is not eligible to participate in the 2021 BDGP programme. There is no provision for accepting any late applications after the closing date.
No request for a review was received from the person named.