asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that the EEC Commission's proposal to aid sheep production through hill grants only is unsatisfactory since lowland flocks cannot benefit; and if he will ensure that this proposal is amended so that all flocks may benefit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sheep Production Grants.
3.
The Commission's proposals in relation to the mutton and lamb sector as put forward in the context of the review of the common agricultural policy include (a) the common organisation of the market in this sector and (b) a possible range of incentives for sheep farming.
The incentives mentioned include not only the measures provided for in the framework of the proposed directive on mountain and other less favoured areas but also the possible extension of certain of these measures to cover sheep farming in other areas. The possibility of lowland flocks benefiting is not therefore excluded in the Commission's proposals.
The Parliamentary Secretary said in his reply that the possibility of provision being made to extend this to lowland sheep farmers is not ruled out, but would the Parliamentary Secretary give an impression as to whether it is likely to be included? It is specifically not excluded from the EEC regulations.
The Minister is endeavouring to have it ruled in accordance with EEC regulations. As the Deputy is aware, the EEC make the regulations and we have to comply with them, and the Minister is endeavouring to do this.