Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this very important issue. I am replying on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, who is in Strasbourg attending a European Parliament plenary session.

This is a hugely important element of our agri-food sector and one which is a priority for the Minister. Primary output from the sheep industry is currently worth about €230 million, a value which has grown significantly in recent years. Over two thirds of output is exported. Exports in 2014 totalled 44,759 tonnes, with a value of €218 million. The sheep sector in Ireland is heavily dependent on the export market as the domestic consumption is usually only about 30% of overall production. The core markets remain France and the UK with the French market usually representing double that of the UK. This reflects the strong demand and reputation in France for Irish lamb and also the consumer preference in the UK for British product. The growth markets in Europe are Sweden, Germany and Belgium with Sweden, for example, now representing our third most important market.

I am also aware that the sheep farmers are vulnerable to price fluctuations. While price is something that is subject to the normal dynamics of the market place the Minister has provided a range of financial and structural supports to the sector that can help to make the sector more resilient and position it to avail of development opportunities.

The application of the latest scientific knowledge to the business of sheep breeding in Ireland is only in its infancy in comparison to programmes for beef and dairy. However, the establishment of Sheep Ireland and the buy-in from stakeholders is improving matters considerably and proving to be of significant benefit.

The sheep technology adoption programme which was introduced in 2013, has played a major role encouraging technology adoption at farms while also requiring participants to undertake a number of farm tasks. These farm tasks make use of the best technologies available to sheep farmers in Ireland while also encouraging improved breeding through the use of a Sheep Ireland performance-recorded ram.