John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 13: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will introduce a ewe welfare and quality scheme, similar to the suckler cow scheme for the sheep industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40443/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The sheep industry is a very important sector having a farmgate value of the order of €200m. I am aware of the many challenges facing the sector in the current production and very competitive market situation. A Strategy Group examined the sheep industry in the first half of this year and presented me with a comprehensive report including 37 specific recommendations on the actions that needed to be taken and the support that the sector required to ensure its viability at all levels into the future. In July last, I set up a group comprising of all the main stakeholders in the industry as well as the relevant State Bodies and my Department to progress the implementation of those recommendations. The Implementation Group has not yet completed its work.