Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I intended to refer to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland's audit report, the summary of which I have to hand. The report identifies cases of non-compliance in the national sheep identification scheme. It notes that no checks are carried out by food business operators or the veterinary inspector at plant level to determine the accuracy or validity of the tag numbers recorded on the dispatch documents. My understanding of this issue, on which some of the farming organisations have made a case, is that the reason for the deficiencies lies with the Department's inspections in some of the factories. This returns me to my question as to why it is only the farmer who must bear the cost of this system. Fairness demands more creative thinking about sharing the cost. As I stated earlier, a flat fee of €50 is not sufficient. I would also support an increase in the sheep welfare scheme payment to farmers, even by a small amount or on an a per animal basis.