P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 466: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will deliver fully on the commitment to provide the full €3 million to a federation (details supplied) for the development of a sheep breed improvement programme over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28413/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Indicative funding of €3m was allocated to implement the recommendation of the Sheep Strategy Implementation Group that sheep breeding functions be transferred from my Department to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).

This indicative funding was allocated at €1m per annum for the years 2007, 2008 and 2009. Due to delays in implementing the recommendation of the Sheep Strategy Implementation Group, there was no expenditure in 2007. Unfortunately, the system of Government financial management is such that the money unspent in 2007 could not be carried forward.

An interim Sheep Breeding Board was established recently and is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting on 16th July. My Department will endeavour to secure sufficient funding to carry out the sheep breeding programme of the interim Board. The transition of sheep breeding functions to the interim Sheep Breeding Board will occur on a phased basis.