Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach. Well done on that milestone. I thank all Members for their contributions as well as the regular interactions with all the farm organisations the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and the Minister of State, Deputy Heydon, have conducted. On behalf of the Government, I want to put their views on the record. As both the Minister and Minister of State have clearly outlined to the House, the Government is committed to supporting our sheep sector and has put in place a range of measures through the new €10 billion CAP, such as ACRES, the sheep improvement sheep and the hugely exciting organic farming scheme. The CAP provides almost €10 billion in supports over the period to 2027 for farm families. As said earlier, sheep farmers are eligible for several other schemes in addition to the sheep improvement scheme, including ACRES and the organics scheme, which are particularly suited to sheep enterprises or mixed beef and sheep enterprises. We as a Government have secured places for 46,000 farmers in ACRES which I am certain will benefit many sheep farmers. There have been a series of factors causing the recent downturn in markets, but we are hopeful that, with the month of Ramadan having begun and with Easter now approaching, we will see the usual seasonal upturn in demand in the marketplace between now and June as lamb production increases. In common with the beef and dairy sectors, the sheep sector is highly reliant on export markets to provide returns for its stakeholders from primary producers onward. As all links in the supply chain are interdependent, all stakeholders must collaborate and co-operate to add value and ensure the sector can survive and thrive in the highly competitive and globalised markets into which they sell product.

Irish sheep meat has been successful in accessing and developing new market opportunities both locally and in international markets. Bord Bia will continue to prioritise sheep meat markets and target segments by continuing to conduct and use trade customer and consumer and market insights, both at company, sector and national level. This work will include enhancing the reputation of Irish sheep meat to reinforce existing retail and food service customer relationships and attract new customers and routes to market. Maintaining and developing existing market access requires an intensive programme of inward and outward government-to-government meetings and technical discussions, as well as utilising the network of Irish embassies throughout the globe. The Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and Minister of State, Deputy Heydon, will redouble their efforts to gain and maintain market access for sheep meat in priority international markets. By keeping primary producers informed of market developments and product requirements in their main export markets, the Department of Agriculture can help them plan their enterprises for the medium term.

In regard to the current challenges facing the sector, I know the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, has asked his officials to continue to monitor developments closely over the next few months and the Government will continue to make every effort to support the sector.

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