Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will address the beef and sheep part of it. In light of the sheep sector having had what was probably one of its toughest winters, and it appears that since many hoggets will stay on before they are out of the system spring lamb may not be as attractive, is there a possibility that some extra sectoral budget for sheep will be brought in? There was a scheme previously for the slaughter of cattle. Sheep farmers have gone through a tough time. It is hard to sell even ewes and lambs at present. Will the Minister consider the €12 per ewe? If we look at the reduction in the price of lamb, even compared to this time last year, it has reduced by approximately €24 to €25.

The meal to feed them now costs that €24 or €25. They are getting €2 more; I understand that. Is the Minister looking at doing something for the sheep sector at the moment like he did, in fairness, with the beef exceptional aid measure, BEAM, scheme when beef was in trouble?