Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

97. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who availed of a grant under the sheep welfare scheme in 2022. [53060/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Sheep Welfare Scheme was launched in December 2016 and provides a valuable support to sheep farmers for undertaking actions which make a positive contribution to flock welfare. The scheme was initially set up as a four-year scheme which was renewable annually.

The initial four-year period expired on the 31st of January 2021. However, the scheme was extended for an additional two-year period to allow for the transitionary period ahead of the introduction of the new Common Agricultural Policy. The existing Sheep Welfare Scheme will end on the 31st January 2023, with the new Sheep Improvement Scheme due to commence on 1 February 2023.

Advanced payments under year five of the Sheep Welfare Scheme commenced in November 2021 with €16m paid to 18,000 participants. The year 5 balancing payments commenced in June 2022. To-date, a total of 18,074 participants have received payments amounting to €17.8m under year five of the scheme.

Advance payments under year six of the scheme will commence in November 2022.