'Suckler scheme delivered value'

The Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme (SCWS) has been a success and should be continued. These were the main findings of a 'Value for Money Review' undertaken by the Department of Finance. The scheme was initially introduced for a five-year period in 2008.

The steering committee made up of representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Bord Bia and Teagasc stated that failing to continue the scheme could see many of the benefits delivered to date lost.

damage

These included damage to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation's (ICBF) data collection programme plus damage to the improved image of Irish beef created as a result of the initial scheme.

The group also highlighted a possible reversal in the apparent stabilisation in suckler cow numbers.

However, it is unlikely that the scheme will be continued in its current form. The high level group recommended that any new scheme should include a range of new measures. It is also recommended that many of the existing measures in the current scheme are either made mandatory or moved to a statutory basis. This includes the level of data recording required when registering calves.

On the issue of funding, the group advises that the potential of a coupled aid scheme using EU funding should be examined. The group also found that the administration of the scheme is unnecessarily complex and needs to be re-examined if it is to deliver better value for money.

support

Commenting on the findings, Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney said: ''This review supports the government's decision to continue to provide exchequer funding for the scheme in 2012. It is important now that the behaviour and herd management changes brought about by this scheme continue to be implemented by the sector to consolidate the gains made so far.''

IFA president John Bryan said it is positive that the Value for Money Review has recognised the major contribution of the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme and recommended its continuation.

He said: ''It is essential that the Minister for Agriculture continues to provide national funding for the scheme as well as negotiating an effective longer term arrangement as part of CAP reform''.