In response to a parliamentary question asked by Independent TD Denis Naughten, 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.

This means that payments will not start flowing until the summer. The payment is per calf up to 50 calves. It is worth €20 for the first 30 calves and €10 for the next 20.

He also revealed that payments of €9.18m were made to 26,715 participants under the 2013 Beef Data Programme.

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No announcement has been made on when this year's Beef Data Programme will open. Speaking in the Dáil, Minister Coveney said the 2015 budget includes a provision of €52 million for a Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP).