Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1218: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made on the programme for Government proposal to fully implement the recommendations of the sheep industry strategy group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47681/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Good progress is being made in implementing the recommendations of the Sheep Industry Strategy Development Group. While most of the group's recommendations are to be implemented by the industry itself, a number of them fall within the remit of my Department and the state agencies under my aegis. The position regarding these recommendations is set out below.

A new company called 'Sheep Ireland' which will take over the Department's current breed improvement programme has been established to develop a new programme. An Interim Sheep Board, comprising representatives of farming organizations and breeders has been established to oversee this process, with ICBF providing the technical and professional service required.

My Department secured European Commission approval for a new supplementary measure in REPS 4 promoting mixed grazing of cattle and sheep. Under this supplementary measure a farmer can qualify for an annual payment of up to €1000 in addition to his or her basic REPS payment.

A trial to examine the feasibility of mechanical carcase classification for lamb was conducted last year. The results of this trial are being analysed. It is hoped that the system will allow for the accurate and objective mechanical classification of lamb carcases and it will gain universal industry support.

The Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme was established in 2007. This Scheme which is operated by Bord Bia has 7000 participants and it is hoped to increase the participation rate during the current year.

Bord Bia has intensified its efforts to promote lamb on home and export markets. Together with its UK and French counterparts it is part of a generic lamb promotion campaign on the important French market.

Teagasc has developed a comprehensive plan to restructure its sheep support services, including a programme for Technology Evaluation and Transfer farms, which include hill and lowland areas.

The actions being taken by my Department and the state agencies under its aegis complement those being taken by industry. I am satisfied that taken together all of these actions will be of significant benefit to the sheep sector.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1219: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made on the programme for Government proposal to increase supports for improved breeding and sheep housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47682/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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A new company called 'Sheep Ireland' which will take over the Department's current breed improvement programme has been established to develop a new programme. An Interim Sheep Board, comprising representatives of farming organisations and breeders has been established to oversee this process, with ICBF providing the technical and professional service required. Teagasc has also launched an initiative on an enhanced research and advice programme involving the establishment of Technology Evaluation and Transfer (TET) farms in both hill and lowland areas. The Farm Improvement Scheme included the possibility of support for improved housing and other facilities in the sheep sector. However, the scheme was closed for new applicants on 31 October 2007 as its funding ceiling had been reached.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1220: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made on the programme for Government proposal to support a quality assurance programme, aid promotion and strengthen labelling with a view to ensuring wider and deeper penetration on home and EU sheep markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47683/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme operated by Bord Bia was established in 2007 and has 7000 participants. Bord Bia is also actively engaged in the marketing and promotion of sheepmeat at home and abroad. Some €1 million annually is spent on these activities which are targeted at the needs of particular markets. Currently, Bord Bia along with its French and British counterparts, is undertaking a generic lamb promotion campaign on the very important French market to promote lamb to younger consumers. In relation to labelling, my Department has actively pursued country of origin labelling for pigmeat, poultrymeat and sheepmeat. The European Commission has, however, rejected our proposals. Notwithstanding this, my Department will continue to pursue the issue in the context of the proposed new food information Directive, for which the Department of Health and Children is the lead Department.