Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am conscious of the important role that the sheep sector plays in the continued growth and development of our agrifood sector.  For example, in 2017 some 63,000 tonnes of sheep meat worth €311 million was exported, with diversification evident from our traditional primary markets of France and the UK. 

With this in mind, I have ensured that my Department has put in place a range of supports for the sheep sector in recent years across a number of schemes.  With regard to pillar 1 supports under the CAP, sheep farmers continue to benefit from the direct income support available under the basic payment scheme, BPS.  In addition, Ireland's Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, contains a number of support schemes which offer direct financial benefit to Irish sheep farmers.  Sheep farmers continue to benefit from the areas of natural constraint, ANC, scheme and from GLAS in large numbers, as well as from capital investment support under the targeted agricultural modernisation schemes, TAMS.  The RDP also includes specific provision for sheep farmers within the knowledge transfer programme, which has helped to build on the existing knowledge base and skills set in the sector in a way which will help to ensure continued sustainable development in the sector. 

In addition to these measures, in December 2016, I announced a new sheep welfare scheme as an amendment to the RDP.  Under this scheme, farmers are required to choose from a menu of actions which aim to improve the overall welfare of their flock. These actions must be completed over a 12-month period and, in return, the farmer receives a payment of €10 per breeding ewe. 

This important support was introduced for a period of four scheme years, and I am glad that more than €18.4 million has issued to sheep farmers in respect of year one of the scheme.  A total of 85% of advance payments under year two of the scheme are due to commence in November of this year.

Taking the range of available schemes together, in excess of €617.5 million was paid in direct financial supports to sheep farmers in 2017.  The corresponding figure for 2016  was €601.6 million.

My Department has recently written to all farmers outlining to them the schedule of payments under various schemes in the coming months and I will continue to ensure that these vital supports are prioritised for farmers. For example, almost €195 million has already been paid out to farmers under the 2018 ANC scheme and 70% advance payments under the BPS are due to commence from October 16.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

Furthermore, in acknowledging that the extension of electronic identification to all sheep represents a cost to keepers, I recently announced a once-off support measure of up to €100 per keeper to assist with this cost. This payment will be related to the first purchase of electronic tags between 1 October 2018 and 30 September 2019 with a cost of up to €3.6 million.

I am committed to ensuring that my Department continues to work to underpin the development of the sheep sector.

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