The Government is fully committed to maintaining a viable sheep sector as an integral element of a balanced regional economy and sheep farmers, I know, are equally committed to producing a world-class, safe and sustainable product.
The Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) aims to build on the progress made by the Sheep Welfare Scheme (SWS) in the 2014-2020 RDP by providing support for management actions that go beyond mandatory standards to improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector. The SIS will complement some elements provided for in the SWS, while also building on other actions beneficial to sheep health and welfare, thereby further enhancing the standards of animal welfare in the Irish sheep flock.
My Department received over 19,000 applications for the SIS which has a 20% increase in the payment rate per eligible ewe - from €10 to €12 - compared to the SWS. The total amount payable under the scheme is based on income foregone and costs incurred related to the specific measures included.
Given that the scheme has a five year duration and is still only in the first year of operation, it would be premature to consider seeking to agree amendments with the European Commission on the structure of the intervention at this early stage.
However, my officials continue to keep all schemes and supports under constant review and will always examine any suggestions from stakeholders on how the operation of schemes can be modified to ensure that they meet their operational objectives over their lifetime.
Regarding the current challenges facing sheep farmers, I have requested my officials to closely monitor market developments and the Government will continue to make every effort to support the sector.
