Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1032. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if matters will be addressed in relation to the sheep welfare scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8745/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Sheep Welfare Scheme was launched in December 2016, for an original period of four years. The scheme reflected the commitment of the Government to the sheep sector in Ireland and was introduced as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme. The Scheme has now been extended for a further year in 2021. As in previous years, existing participants are automatically rolled over into Year 5 of the Scheme without the need to submit a new application.

On 20th January, the opening of the 2021 Sheep Welfare Scheme was publicised and new entrants were advised to make their applications by 1st February. Where potential new applicants had signalled to my Department their intention to apply by that deadline, but had not yet returned a completed form by 1st February, such applications have been accepted.

My Department does have a number of queries on hand where new entrant applicants have not contacted the Department by 1st February. Such queries are dealt with on a case-by-case basis, having due regard to any difficulties imposed by public health restrictions.