Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

198. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider putting specific supports in place for the sheep sector, which is currently in crisis. [10294/23]

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

The Government is fully committed to a viable sheep sector as an integral element of a balanced regional economy.  I recognise that our sheep farmers are hugely committed to producing a world-class, safe and sustainable product.

As the Deputy is aware, market prices are a commercial matter between suppliers and buyers and the Government has no role in determining commodity prices in the sheep sector.  My Department provides significant support to the sector under the new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), both through a new targeted scheme for sheep farmers (the Sheep Improvement Scheme) and through the broad range of schemes in the CSP.

The new Sheep Improvement Scheme under the CSP closed on 9th January 2023, with over 19,000 applications submitted. This scheme is the core targeted support for the sector from this year. It replaces the previous Sheep Welfare Scheme but shares the same aim of improving animal health and welfare in the sector, with a 20% increase in the ewe payment rate - from €10 to €12 - compared to the previous scheme. 

The CSP provides almost €10 billion in supports over the period to 2027 for farm families. Sheep farmers are eligible for several other schemes in addition to Sheep Improvement Scheme, including the ACRES scheme and the Organics Scheme, which are particularly suited to sheep farming. Support for early-stage producer organisations, which will be introduced later this year, will further strengthen the position of sheep farmers in the supply chain.  

At my request, the Food Vision Sheep Group met recently to discuss the sheep market situation. All the main stakeholders are represented on the Group and were invited to make submissions.  I will now carefully consider the Chair’s report on the outcome of the Group’s deliberations.

I note while market returns have reduced due to increased input costs, Teagasc forecasts suggest that 2023 family farm income for specialised sheep farms will be only marginally (2%) down on 2022 at €19,500, due to the important role which direct payments play in contributing to sheep farm incomes.

The market situation will continue to be kept under review by my Department.