Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress she has made with regard to the implementation of the Malone Report for the Sheep Industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29890/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Sheep Strategy Group, which was chaired by Mr. John Malone, produced its report in June 2006. The report contained a number of recommendations for action to secure the future of the sheep sector. I established an Implementation Group, also under the chairmanship of Mr. John Malone, to oversee the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Malone report. The Group reported in April of this year. Most of the recommendations in the report fall to be implemented by the industry itself and it is too early at this stage to assess their impact. The recommendations are supported by my Department 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, a new supplementary measure aimed at sheep farmers has been introduced. A budget of €28 million a year has been allocated to fund the proposed new supplementary measure at an overall cost of over €170 million for the period to 2013.