Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1249. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if force majeure (details supplied) is taken into consideration in determining whether an applicant for the suckler carbon efficiency programme is determined to be a new entrant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37340/23]
View answerThe objective of the SCEP is to provide support to suckler and beef farmers to improve the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd. The programme aims to build on the gains delivered in recent years through the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) and the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme (BEEP) by improving the genetic merit of the Irish suckler herd.
As stated in the Terms and Conditions of the programme, “New Entrants to suckler farming” shall mean an applicant that commenced suckler farming in 2021, i.e. calved and registered an eligible calf for the first time since 1st January 2021. As the person named calved and registered an eligible calf prior to 2021, he was not considered a new entrant.
The advice given to herdowners was to submit a SCEP application online and then seek a request for a review of their reference numbers outlining the reason why in their view they should be considered as a new entrant including any relevant supporting documentation. My Department has no record of receiving an application or any correspondence in relation to the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) from the person named. The closing date for submission of online applications to SCEP was 23.59hrs on 22 May 2023. Should he wish to do so, the person concerned can submit correspondence requesting my Department to consider acceptance of submission of an application to participate in SCEP. This can be sent to scep@agriculture.gov.ie or to Beef Schemes, Direct Payments Unit, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois. R32 RPA6.
