Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. The Government has been doing a lot of work on finding markets for sheepmeat. With regard to the sheep improvement scheme and the €2 increase, agricultural schemes are open to every farmer but the sheep improvement scheme is specifically for sheep farmers. I am glad to hear that there will be some movement on the wool feasibility study. Instead of studies, pilots and reviews I would rather see some action very soon. Because it is so far back, the reference year often penalises and restricts younger farmers and ambitious farmers trying to get into the sector. On behalf of young farmers I ask that the reference year be looked at.