746. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of herd number applications for companies that his Department has demanded an entirely new application for, due to a change in keeper details during the application process; to detail on a by county basis in each of the years 2010 to 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45356/26]

The herd number system underpins animal disease control measures, traceability obligations and the administration of farm support payments. Given the importance of the system to public health, food safety, and the integrity of national and EU schemes, my Department applies robust verification and assessment procedures when processing applications.

In recognition of the fact that applications for herd numbers can vary significantly in their factual and legal circumstances, there is variability in how individual herd number applications are assessed. Applications involving corporate entities, partnerships, shared farming arrangements or questions concerning keepers, land availability or herd ownership can all involve different processes including sometimes that a new application be submitted. My Department does not categorise herd numbers with reference to the precise procedures or verification steps employed during the assessment process and therefore cannot provide the information requested.