Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, absolutely, sheep are doing well. The island communities are another case in point. I wanted to include this issue in the programme but it needs a little more thought. I suspect that the way in which we support island communities will be similar to the way in which we support disadvantaged areas. We have what one could describe as a disadvantaged "plus" payment, under which a set payment per hectare would be made to farmers on the islands. While we have not yet agreed on a figure, I want the payment to be generous. The numbers and money involved are relatively small but it will make a massive difference to island communities. In terms of policy, island communities have frequently been bypassed in the past and I will not allow that to happen in this case. I do not want to be responsible for a scenario in which there are no longer any sheep or suckler cattle on some of the islands off the west coast. We will provide supports to ensure island farming remains intact.

If I failed to answer any questions, I will try to respond to Senators in writing if they send me an e-mail outlining their query.