Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response and for his interventions to date. While they have made a difference, from my engagement with many farming representative organisations in recent weeks, I know they are really concerned about the primary sheep producers. Time is running out for many. The position is precarious and it is unsustainable for new and existing farmers. As public representatives, we have a duty to implement policies and additional support measures to help alleviate this burden. Will the Minister address the inadequacies of the current sheep improvement scheme which offers only €12 per ewe to protect the economic viability of the sector? We heard earlier about the Brexit adjustment fund. That was not a proper proposal but I ask that it be reviewed in future budgetary discussions.

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