andMr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that under the beef incentive scheme farmers whose cows calve some time after the first inspection are not eligible for grant in the current year; and if he will consider such cows to be eligible for grant provided they have calved before the second inspection.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beef Incentive Scheme.
49.
I am aware that in order to qualify for a grant under the terms of the Beef Cattle Incentive Scheme, cows in excess of two in the herd must be accompanied by suitable calves at each of two consecutive official inspections and be in milk at the first of these inspections. As soon as a cow fulfils these requirements she becomes qualified for a grant irrespective of whether she calves early or late in the year.
Is the Minister aware that there are certain defects in the scheme and would he have another look at it to see if it could be amended to include all cows who have a calf?
This is a very difficult question. I doubt if it would be possible to accede to the Deputy's request. At some stage we must fix a qualifying period. The qualifying period has been changed once already. I do not think it could be changed again without jeopardising the general success of the scheme.
If, on the second inspection, the cow has a calf would that be accepted on the first inspection of the following year? Would that fall in with the Minister's requirement?
The first inspection period would extend from 1st June to the end of July. A prepaid postcard is being left with each farmer whose calving programme is not completed by the date of inspection. If the cows concerned calve before the end of July they will be inspected again so long as the postcard is lodged with the local veterinary officer.