Mr. Michael Crosse:

With a couple of hundred sheep - we will take it that there is potential to replace what such a farmer has with the milking sheep. Regarding the suitability of housing, most farmers will have enough housing for the sheep. Grassland management should already be good. It is all pretty applicable. The key part is the milking infrastructure. Sheep milking parlours are approved for TAMS, which is a significant help. Efficient milking is the key part that makes the system work. A sum of €120,000 would cater for a 400-ewe flock. Regarding a grant, there would be a €70,000 or €80,000 of a cash outlay for a milking parlour, which over ten years is the best a sheep farmer milking sheep will ever make because the labour saving over that time is phenomenal compared to a poor set up with milking sheep.