Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Downey and Mr. Lynskey for their presentations today. Those of us who come from the west will fully understand and appreciate their contributions, suggestions and ideas. One realises, particularly when one comes from hilly land and areas of mountain ranges, that people must make a living out of land that is far inferior to other parts of the country. Survival is down to the diligence, commitment and strength of the people involved in the sector which has helped in no small way to keep rural and peripheral Ireland vibrant. That vibrancy is down to the people who farm that type of land, particularly the sheep farmers.

I was struck by the statistics outlined by the delegation that there is an annual production of 58,000 tonnes and that 46,000 tonnes of it represents the third largest export in Europe. That fact shows the value of the product to rural Ireland. I was also struck by the fact that the average income is €14,500. For a considerable period I have fought here against the cutbacks to farm assist, etc. How many of the people involved in hill farming and sheep farming depend on the farm assist payment? How have the cutbacks to farm assist, over the past number of budgets, affected the livelihood of these people? A small contribution from the State can make the difference between surviving and not surviving in the areas that I referred to.

I believe that a decoupled payment for ewes would be a good move. It would be very helpful if the Government made a statement to the effect that it was prepared to concede to such a measure. It would make a huge difference to the overall production of sheep and lambs. The measure would give an element of certainty to the people who produce and work at that level. I support such a measure. The delegation mentioned a payment of €20 per ewe. That would be money well spent by the Government.

The delegation mentioned market access and the opening of trade to the US, China and other countries. Sheep farming has been the poor relation when it comes to farming. There needs to be positive discrimination towards ensuring that the people involved in the sheep sector get the best access to markets. It is important we ensure that people are not discriminated against in that regard.

The witnesses mentioned that the strong independent sheep research and advisory programme in Athenry was being maintained as a centre of excellence. There is a necessity for it and while we might all argue where it should be, I will not put a spanner in the works.

The witnesses also said the cost of compulsory electronic tagging was €2 million and that this was excessive. Is there any support from the State for this or is any support proposed? It would be to the benefit of all of us, particularly these days with so much crime in rural Ireland.