Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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790. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to strengthen the sheep sector and to ensure its viability, including the indigenous and export wool markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49897/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Irish sheep farm families produce a world-class product that is in demand cross many global market.

Our sheep farmers gave a commitment to excellence and I will continue to support them.

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) sheepmeat exports worth approximately €385 million, or 57,737 tonnes were exported in 2021, an increase of 8.3% in value on 2021. The overall market outlook for Irish and EU lamb prices for 2022/2023 remains reasonable, although Irish lamb prices are forecast to experience some decline from the record high levels received in 2021.

I am, however, acutely aware of the potential pressures being faced by many sectors across the agriculture industry due to the increase in input costs. Since the invasion of Ukraine, I have taken a proactive approach to dealing with the massive challenges arising for the agri-food and fisheries sector. This included the 1,000e per farmer Fodder Support Scheme which sheep farmers are eligible for.

Securing market access and diversifying trade remains a key aim for my Department. Developing market opportunities at home and abroad is one of the goals of Food Vision 2030. Irish sheep meat exports continue to thrive.

In terms of international markets, I was delighted to announce in April the agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on a veterinary health certificate for the export of Irish sheep meat to the US. I hope to see exporters take advantage of this significant opportunity as soon as possible.

The core targeted support for the sheep sector from 2023 will be the Sheep Improvement Scheme which aims to build on the progress made by the Sheep Welfare by providing support for actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector. The scheme is designed, in consultation with sector stakeholders, to facilitate young farmers and new entrants to sheep farming. Sheep farmers are also eligible for a number of other export schemes, including for example the ACRES scheme, and the Organics Scheme.

Another significant support for the sheep sector is the inclusion of the sector in the new support for early stage producer organisations in the incoming CSP which, in addition to providing administrative support of up to €33,000 to groups, provides under competition law for collective bargaining on output prices thereby strengthening their position in the supply chain.These measures are part of a range of supports available to sheep farmers through the CSP.

In respect of the wool market, as the Deputy may be aware, one of the commitments under the current Programme for Government was to conduct a review of the potential demand for wool-based products such as for insulation and fertilisers in domestic and international markets.

The independently compiled review published on 1st July 2022 contains a number of findings and recommendations including potential funding streams, market opportunities for wool and multiple areas for additional research and development.

One of the main recommendations is the establishment of an industry-led Wool Council which would develop and promote Irish wool domestically and internationally and bring together multiple stakeholders to foster collaboration, innovation and scaling activities in the wool sector. In support of this recommendation, I have committed to provide funding to the wool industry of €30,000 towards the initial set-up costs of setting up this independent industry led Wool Council.