Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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1199. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding is available for groups (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52473/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, 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.

The strong performance of the sector in 2020 has continued into 2021 and I am delighted that farmers are being rewarded from the market for their hard work.

Reductions in production globally and increased demand are expected to support continued strong performance throughout 2021. The current average price is €6.07 per kg, which is 20% above the same period last year.

In the context of the next CAP, and in line with our commitment in the Programme for Government, enhanced administrative support for the establishment of recognised producer organisations is proposed as part of the sectoral interventions. Both the beef and sheep sector will be eligible for this support, for which funding of €1.5 million has been provided.

Recognised producer organisations have the advantage of a derogation under competition law which enables them to legally collectively negotiate on the price of their outputs.

There is also a proposal for a new Sheep Improvement Scheme worth €100 million to sheep farmers in the next CAP in addition to the range of general supports in the new CAP which sheep farmers can avail of. This scheme is based on the previous Sheep Welfare Scheme which has been extended in 2021 and 2022 as part of the transition arrangements prior to the next CAP.