Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 455: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the current state of the sheep industry, whereby as a result of significant extra costs associated with sheep production, and the lower market return, profitability is non-existent; if in this context she will put in place a €15 per ewe monetary scheme in order to help secure the future of this industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3961/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Sheep Industry Development Strategy Group issued its report in June 2006. This is a comprehensive study of the sheep industry which sets out a Development Plan for the sector contained in 37 recommendations. I decided that the best way to implement these recommendations was to set up an implementation body comprised of representatives of all sectors in the industry, including the relevant state bodies. It is chaired by Mr. John Malone, former Secretary General of my Department, who was also the author of the Strategy Group report.

The recommendations address issues such as ewe welfare and quality assurance. The Implementation Group is nearing the completion of its work and I look forward to its final report in the near future.

I have no function in the determination of market prices. The question of specific market support is not allowed under EU state aid rules.