Grant Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2010

Wednesday, 19 May 2010

Ceisteanna (199)

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

229 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason farmers are being refused grant aid under the cow welfare scheme for no other reason than they weaned more than ten animals at the one time; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this has caused problems for many farmers who genuinely did not understand the scheme; if he has satisfied himself that there should be a full 100% penalty for a genuine misreading of the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21060/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Terms and Conditions of the Suckler Welfare Scheme (section 8.5.2) clearly states that for herds of more than 10 suckler cows a gradual weaning procedure must be followed. It is open to the farmers to wean at pasture or indoors but the calves must be weaned in at least 2 separate groups with each group being removed at a minimum interval of 5 days. A copy of the Terms and Conditions is issued with the application form to each farmer, and in signing the application form the applicants agreed to be bound by the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme.

Extensive research has been undertaken by Teagasc over a number of years into weaning practices and it has been found that weaning in separate groups reduces the stress on the calves at weaning time thus reducing the risk of weight loss and illness and thereby improving the welfare and quality of the weanlings. All stakeholders in the beef sector have agreed that the Scheme has proven to be very successful since its inception and it is important, that the requirements covering the weaning of calves, which is a fundamental part of the Scheme, be retained.