Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 March 2019
474. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason deductions were made to payments of a person (details supplied); if the matter can be appealed; when full payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11489/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn submitting an application to participate in the Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP), applicants gave an undertaking to adhere to the terms and conditions that govern the Programme.
Payments under BDGP are based on the full completion of specified actions over the course of six years which were designed to improve the genetic merit of a beef farmer’s herd.
Participants are required to take genomic samples from a prescribed number of animals at a cost to the participant of €22 per genomic sample. €220 was deducted from the payment of 12th February 2018 to the person named for ten genomic samples and €176 was deducted from the payment of 17th December 2018 for eight genomic samples.
€297.50 was deducted from the payment of 17th December 2018 to the person named for a failure to submit the survey data as required under the Programme. A further €238 was deducted as at the time of payment as there was no record of the required annual carbon navigator update being submitted at that time.
A member of staff from my Department has contacted the person named regarding these requirements as, while the Carbon Navigator has now been submitted, the survey data requirement is not yet fully completed.
The Programme provides for further payments to issue once sufficient compliance with the programme's requirements has been verified.
