Mr. Kevin Kinsella:

Senator O'Neill is correct about the sheep technology adoption programme, STAP, figures, in that the money only goes to a couple of thousand farmers. Conversely, the grassland payment goes to 27,000 or 28,000 farmers.

We would love stronger support for the sheep sector. I appeared before the committee several months and years ago seeking support for a strong coupled payment for the sector. That was the IFA's proposal on CAP reform. However, the bus has moved on and the Minister has decided not to introduce a coupled payment for the suckler and sheep sides. He has indicated he will take between now and Easter to make a decision. We are trying to find a way of retaining as much of the sheep grassland payment for sheep farmers in Pillar 1 as we can. We will undoubtedly revert to the committee about what will be required and how Pillar 2 might be constructed, but the urgency now is in trying to find a solution. The Minister has stated he is open to proposals. For that reason, we are before the committee to get members' support for restoring the funding to €18 million. This is our proposal.