Ned O'Keeffe
Question:121 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the total number of sheep in this country for the years 1986 to 1990, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Sheep Numbers.
Sheep numbers in June of the years 1986 to 1989 are:
|
1986 |
— |
5.0 millions |
|
1987 |
— |
5.6 millions |
|
1988 |
— |
6.6 millions |
|
1989 |
— |
7.7 millions |
Figures for June 1990 are not yet available but December 1989 statistics show that there was a 16 per cent increase in numbers over the same period last year.
The very substantial 54 per cent increase in sheep numbers between 1986 and 1989 has been achieved in response to very strong market prices which have created a high level of confidence in the sheep sector as well as the support which has been provided by EC market mechanisms. A considerable build-up of the breeding herd in parallel suggests future sustained herd size.
Having established very satisfactory supplies of sheep meat it now remains to build up and consolidate our market outlets, both domestic and overseas. To this end there has recently been a greater promotional drive on the domestic market, as well as continued concentration on moving more of our lamb sales into higher priced outlets which demand quality produce.