In response to a parliamentary question asked by Independent TD Denis Naughten, Minister Simon Coveney said that 26,715 farmers have received payment.

However, 34,000 farmers who applied to join the 2013 beef data scheme were eligible for payment in May. With most farmers expecting an average payment of €350 each, the money owed to those waiting amounts to €2.5m.

“The fact is that 2014 has been a very difficult year for many beef farmers and it is unacceptable that up to one fifth of farmers who signed up for the beef data scheme have been left without a payment," said Naughten.

“Delayed farm payments cause financial hardship for many farmers who are awaiting payments. Families rely on farm payments coming in to pay outstanding meal bills and bank loans."

Some 38,000 farmers applied to the scheme in 2014, but applications won't be processed until May. Minister Simon Coveney said the Department will not be able to process data for the programme until the late-born animals detailed in applications are five months of age.

The payment is per calf up to 50 calves. It is worth €20 for the first 30 calves and €10 for the next 20.