Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress made to date by the implementation group for the sheep strategy group report; the steps she will take to support the price of lamb; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6960/07]

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 price structure, price reporting, carcass classification, breeding, research and advice, promotion 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 price support is not allowed under EU state aid rules.