Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will be aware, the Brexit adjustment reserve is an important source but it is difficult to qualify for it. We have to show a direct correlation between what is being funded and the impacts of Brexit. I have not received any proposal which would stack up in that regard.

As with all sectors of agriculture, I have asked my Department and officials to consider how we could potentially draw down Brexit funding. It does not appear to be possible in this instance. Since six or seven weeks ago, we have thankfully seen a significant change in the market conditions for sheep. There is no doubt that during last winter store finishers were not making money. The winter store trade can be up and down year to year and certainly last year was a challenging one. We are in a better situation now. Prices are stronger and lambs will be finished off grass in the weeks and months ahead. I will continue to monitor the market situation closely while delivering, in every way I can, supports to underpin family farm income for the sheep sector through the CAP, the new sheep improvement scheme and most importantly and significantly, every sheep farm that has applied to ACRES has been accepted, which could potentially be worth up to €7,000 per sheep farm this year.

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