Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 355: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has plans to implement in part or in full the recommendations contained in the Report of the Malone Sheep Strategy Group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22283/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Sheep Industry Strategy Development Group, under the chairmanship of Mr. John Malone, issued its report in June 2006. The report contained a total of 37 recommendations as to how the future of the sheep sector could be secured going forward. I established an Implementation Group, also under the chairmanship of Mr. Malone, in July 2006, to oversee the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report.

The Implementation Group reported in April. Most of the recommendations in the report fall to be implemented by the industry itself. My Department will be supporting the recommendations through assistance for breeding and management, processing facilities, mechanical grading, quality assurance and health and welfare.

In addition and in line with the Group's report, sheep farmers are major beneficiaries of various schemes being operated by my Department. Under REPS 4, which I recently launched, a new supplementary measure aimed at sheep farmers has been introduced. A budget of €28m a year has been allocated to fund the proposed new supplementary measure at an overall cost of over €170m for the period to 2013. Assistance is also available to sheep farmers for on farm investments under the new Rural Development Programme.

I feel the comprehensive package of measures now being adopted will secure the full commitment of all those involved in the sector and the result will be a more efficient, competitive and profitable sheep industry at all levels.