Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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794. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the new sheep payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26726/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government commits to the introduction of a scheme for sheep farmers under the Rural Development Programme with a budget of some €25 million to be provided in Budget 2017. Any such scheme must meet criteria laid down by Rural Development Regulation. This scheme, in addition to the existing supports for sheep farmers under the BPS, GLAS, ANC and TAMS, will make a vital contribution to the sheep sector in Ireland.

 My Department has engaged in extensive consultation with farm organisations and industry stakeholders, and met with officials of the European Commission to discuss the proposed new scheme in the context of the specific requirements of the Rural Development Programme . In light of these consultations, my Department has recently submitted to the European Commission a proposed Animal Welfare scheme for sheep as part of Ireland's second amendment to its Rural Development Programme (RDP).