Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to resume discussions on development of sheep sector

The meeting in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House will be split into two sessions:

5.30pm – Representatives from Enterprise Ireland;

7pm – Representatives from the Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA)

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Jackie Cahill said: “This is the Committee’s third meeting on the development of our sheep sector, which plays such an important role in Ireland’s agrifood business in terms of employment and domestic and export sales. We have previously heard from key stakeholders including the IFA, Sheep Milk Ltd, Bord Bia and Meat Industry Ireland.

“We now look forward to hearing from the ICSA about the challenges facing sheep farmers and the wider sheep sector, including higher input costs and pressure on prices paid for meat. We would also like to hear the steps and supports they believe are needed to sustain and develop the industry.

“We also welcome this opportunity to meet with Enterprise Ireland, which plays such a critical role in developing start-ups and small and medium businesses geared for export, on how they can support sheep meat, milk and wool processors and assist them in accessing and growing new export markets.”

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.