asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the serious discontent of sheep farmers, particularly in the mountainous areas of Mayo, because of the poor prices prevailing for their produce; and if he will take the necessary steps to grant a subsidy or some other incentive to these farmers so that they will not emigrate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Sheep Prices.
62.
Although sheep prices recently have not been at the record high levels reached in the early part of 1965, they compare favourably with those obtaining in the early part of 1964, which was a good year for sheep. Wool prices recovered somewhat in 1965 from the relatively low level in the second half of 1964 and have remained steady since.
Sheep and wool prices of course depend primarily on conditions in export markets. In the case of sheep the recent Free Trade Area Agreement with Britain provides for substantial improvements for our sheep and lamb industry, namely, (1) the reduction from three months to two months in the British waiting period for Irish stores to qualify for guarantee payments, (2) the abolition of the ¾d. per lb. differential in the guarantee payments for such animals and (3) the application of the British guarantee payments to 5,500 tons of Irish carcase lamb per annum.
I may mention that I have recently arranged to have an expert study made to see what further improvements might be possible for the benefit of the sheep and lamb industry.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary realises that sheep prices were down by at least £1, that wool prices were down by 1/- per lb. this year and that sheep farmers have suffered grievous losses, and there is very little use promising them pie in the sky?
No such promises are being made.