Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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187. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a new sheep welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17722/20]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I am very conscious of the important role that the sheep sector plays in the continued growth and development of our agri-food sector, and its valuable contribution to the rural economy.

To date, the existing sheep welfare scheme has delivered supports of €50.3 million to over 21,000 farmers since its inception in 2016.

Under the new programme for Government, we have committed to support the sheep sector under the next CAP and recognise the vital role it plays in food production, demonstrating our commitment to maintaining farm incomes in the sheep sector. We are examining the options to build on schemes such as the Sheep Welfare Scheme, in a way that enhances farm incomes, while contributing to climate change, biodiversity and animal welfare objectives, and recognising their significant contribution to net farm incomes.

My Department is currently engaged in negotiations on the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Regulations at EU level. In parallel, the development of schemes for the new CAP is a key priority for my Department and work is ongoing in this regard.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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188. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the neutering of animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17749/20]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for his question which I recognise has been raised from a well-meaning perspective; however, my Department has no function in this matter which is a commercial issue between a private veterinary practitioner and a client.