Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 July 2018
41. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the cost of electronic sheep tagging will be reviewed in order that the sheep farmers do not have to carry the entire cost of tagging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31460/18]
View answerThe Minister announced the extension of EID to all sheep on 2 May 2018 whereby all sheep sold from 1st October 2018 must be identified electronically. Lambs moving directly to slaughter from the holding of birth will require a single electronic (EID) tag and all other sheep require a full EID tag / bolus set. In relation to the cost of EID, I have proposed a one-off tag subsidy scheme with a maximum payment of €50 to farmers on their first purchase of electronic tags. This will apply in addition to the inclusion of EID readers as eligible investments under TAMS.
Meanwhile, my officials or I have met with the stakeholders in the sheep industry and engaged in consultation on the implementation of EID. A number of submissions have been made on the matter and I will consider the views expressed by all parties and expect to be in a position to respond soon.
