Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 May 2023
184. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a suckler scheme entry will be reviewed for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23493/23]
View answerThe objective of the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) is to provide support to beef farmers to improve the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd. The programme aims to build on the gains delivered in recent years through the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) and the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme (BEEP) by improving the genetic merit of the Irish suckler herd.
The reference number presented for SCEP is based on historical data. This is the number of eligible suckler cows that produced an eligible calf on the holding in the years 2016-2021 inclusive. The applicant receives an average of the best three years of 2016-2021 as the reference number.
As the person named had data (i.e. had eligible suckler cows that produced an eligible calf) in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, he received a reference number of seven and a maximum payable area of 4.67.
As per the SCEP terms and conditions, a New Entrant to suckler farming is an applicant that commenced suckler farming since 2021, i.e calved and registered an eligible calf for the first time since 1st January 2021. Therefore, the person named is not considered as a New Entrant under SCEP.
The closing date for submission of SCEP applications is 22nd May 2023. To date, no SCEP application has been received from the person named. If the person named wishes to have a review of his reference data, a SCEP application must be submitted online and then he can make such a request in writing to SCEP, Beef Schemes section of my Department in Portlaoise or by email to SCEP@agriculture.gov.ie , including any supporting documentation for their review.
