Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 July 2008
505 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the Programme for Government proposal to continue to support the suckler herd quality and welfare scheme to ensure that the herd is maintained at its optimum level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28559/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Animal Welfare, Recording and Breeding Scheme for Suckler Herds came into operation in January 2008 and runs for 5 years with a budget of €250m. It aims to encourage and underpin the adoption of high standards of animal welfare in suckler herds and to improve the quality of breeding cattle in the beef sector. Almost 53,000 suckler farmers have joined the scheme and over 80% of all the suckler cows in the country are now covered by the scheme.
The scheme will also be used as a marketing tool when selling Irish Beef into new higher value markets where the consumer is seeking assurances about the standards of animal welfare and husbandry on Irish suckler farms.
