asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the serious problems now affecting western hill sheep farmers; and the measures it is intended to introduce, as a matter of urgency, to safeguard their livelihood.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Western Hill Sheep Farmers.
2.
I am aware that certain difficulties arose recently in connection with the export of lightweight sheep carcases to Italy which may have adversely affected the marketing of such sheep in the western hill areas. I have had the matter investigated by my Department. Following a visit to Italy by a veterinary officer last week to inspect consignments on arrival there, I am satisfied that suitable arrangements can now be made to facilitate these shipments and maintain this important outlet for these animals.
Would the Minister agree that the western hill sheep farmers are at a serious disadvantage in that this is the only enterprise which they can follow? Many midland and western buyers have not purchased the lambs of these farmers this year. Would the Minister further agree that proposals may have to be initiated to change the breeding system in the West to suit foreign markets?
There is no doubt that the farmers are dependent on sheep marketing for their livelihood. Recent visits by officers of my Department to Italy have established that any difficulties occurring there for veterinary reasons have been solved in a satisfactory manner. I am also asking the CBF to investigate the possibility of further marketing in that area to see if better markets can be found in Italy for that type of lightweight Irish lamb. On the question of the sale to lowland feeders of the Scotch blackface lambs at this time of year, there are some indigenous qualities of the Scotch blackface that make the keeping of them difficult.