Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 November 2019
187. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a matter (details supplied) regarding the sale of cattle will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49493/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) has provided temporary exceptional adjustment aid to farmers in the beef sector in Ireland subject to the conditions set out in EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1132.
BEAM is funded by a combination of EU aid and Exchequer support, provided in light of the difficult circumstances that Irish beef farmers have been facing as a result of the market volatility and uncertainty. Over 34,500 farmers had applied for BEAM at its closing date of 20 September, representing potential commitments of almost €78 million.
Terms and conditions of the scheme are available on my Department's website:
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/farmingschemesandpayments/beefexceptionalaidmeasure/BEAMCommissionNotificationSubmitted120919.pdf
The following is specified under the terms and conditions of the scheme in relation to the issue raised in respect to mart sales:
"9.2 - Where an animal ... has been presented for slaughter by an agent or by a dealer within 30 days of purchase, including those purchased in the mart, payment may issue to the immediate previous herdowner or in respect of the previous eligible herdnumber, where that herdowner is an applicant. "
Therefore, selling an eligible animal through a mart for slaughter within 30 days does not present any barrier for access to the scheme.
