Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she intends to take to address the serious crisis facing many sheep farmers due to poor prices being paid for lambs by meat plants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14177/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, there have been difficulties recently between sheep farmers and the meat export plants over the price for new season lamb. I am glad these difficulties were resolved following discussions last week between the farmers and the plants concerned.

Bord Bia will shortly commission a promotion of new season lamb on the Irish market, which will be extended over the months of May and June. It will also undertake a campaign on the French market over the coming months, aimed at maintaining and increasing market share for Irish lamb there. Initiatives such as these play an important role in maintaining and developing markets at home and abroad for Irish lamb. Whereas my Department is concerned that farmers receive a fair price for their produce, it has no function in the determination of market prices.