Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 20: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the proposals contained in the Aylward report for a sheep maintenance payment on a per ewe basis, to arrest decline in numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37457/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The report for the European Parliament by Mr. Liam Aylward MEP on the sheep sector in Europe has called for the introduction of an environmental maintenance scheme for ewes to arrest the decline in sheep production. This recommendation and others in the Aylward Report were considered in detail at a special conference on the sheep sector that was held in Limoges by the French Presidency at the beginning of September. In the context of the current Health Check of the Common Agricultural Policy, I have continually emphasised the need to support the sheep sector. I will continue to do so in the ongoing discussions that are expected to conclude in the coming weeks.