Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
1235. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who participated in the suckler herds welfare scheme 2008 to 2012; the annual expenditure for the scheme in each year; the maximum payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36697/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Animal Welfare, Recording and Breeding Scheme for Suckler Herds was operated between 2008-2012. Its objectives were to improve breeding by recording animal events data and make better use of genetic evaluation. It also aimed to improve husbandry and weaning to reduce illness and mortality.
Details of scheme participants and payments are set out in the following table.
|
Scheme year |
Total paid per scheme year |
No of participants |
|
2008 |
64,443,888 |
43744 |
|
2009 |
25,633,818 |
36267 |
|
2010 |
24,002,165 |
33950 |
|
2011 |
23,440,874 |
31231 |
|
2012 |
23,082,969 |
29558 |
|
Total paid |
160,603,714 |
The annual rate of payment was €82 per qualifying animal in 2008 and €41 per qualifying animal in the period 2009 to 2013 for online applicants and €80 and €40 respectively for paper applicants.
The number of animals payable was capped at 100.
Therefore, the maximum possible payable was €8,200 in respect of animals born in 2008 and €4,100 for animals born thereafter.
