Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
1458. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase payments under the sheep welfare scheme due to the market disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the difficulties that will arise due to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22304/20]
View answerThe details of the Sheep Welfare Scheme, including the payment rates for participants, were approved by the European Commission in 2016. The payment rates are based on the agreed costings underlying the actions to be undertaken in the scheme, and an increase in payments would thus require changes to the actions currently being undertaken by farmers. Any such changes to the details of the scheme would require the agreement of the European Commission via the formal Rural Development Programme amendment process. My Department is currently exploring options for the development of schemes for the transition period in advance of the introduction of the new CAP programming period.
While there is no doubt that the overall environment facing sheep farmers this year is challenging, it should be noted that sheep prices and slaughter volumes in 2020 are ahead of 2019 levels.
