The Minister said the scheme provides farmers with an opportunity to improve their herd and receive significant financial support.

“Some €300m has been provided for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme over the lifetime of the Rural Development Programme. I am anxious to ensure that payments are made to as many farmers as possible this year," he said.

"The programme will provide applicants with the tools to improve the breeding in their herds in a way that can increase female fertility, reduce the age of first calving, make calving easier, facilitate a reduction in the calving interval, and reduce the cost of bringing calves to weaning.”

With concerns raised over the six year rule, Minister Coveney said there has been a misunderstanding of the terms and conditions and there will be no clawbacks for minor non compliances, or of penalties for BDGP non compliances.

He added there would be substantial flexibility in terms of lost leases etc, along with provisions permitting participants to transfer land by gift or inheritance to relatives without penalty, provided the contract obligations also move to the transferee.

The Minister concluded by reminding applicants that there would be time to withdraw from the scheme without penalty after submission.

"ICBF will be in a position to provide data to farmers on where they stand in relation to the genetic index, and at that point farmers will be able to make a more informed decision on whether to remain in the programme," he said.

Those permitted to use 2015 as a base year for payment should apply before the deadline of 29 May.

Watch: Discussion on the BDGP with editor Justin McCarthy