Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We very much welcome the €10 per sheep scheme, which will be important for the sector. There are just under 13,000 sheep farmers, with an average income of just under €16,000 per year. It is a sector where incomes are particularly challenged and where we have to ensure there is support so that flock numbers are kept up. It is important the scheme begins early in 2017 so we can ensure it gets up and running and that the funding actually comes to farmers. The Minister might clarify how early in 2017 he hopes the scheme will be up and running. The other key point is that the costs of administration of the scheme are kept as low and as manageable as possible in order to facilitate farmers.

With regard to the issue of the menus available to farmers, will there be one menu for all types of farms to choose from? For particularly challenged sectors such as the hill farm sector, is it possible they will be able to choose additional options and, therefore, be paid more than the €10 to try to protect sheep numbers in those areas?

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