asked the Minister for Agriculture if he considers it a satisfactory position that Ireland produces only 5.7 per cent of the Community's sheepmeat, and if he will outline the present position and the likely results in relation to the measures designed to increase the flock of 1.6 million ewes.
Written Answers. - Sheepmeat Production.
809.
As the Community is only 76 per cent self-sufficient in sheepmeat it is reasonable to anticipate some expansion in flock numbers and production, particularly in Ireland's case. In fact, between 1980 and 1984 the number of breeding ewes in Ireland has increased from 1.6 million to 1.8 million.
My Department encourage increased production in a variety of ways, including the greater use of more prolific ewes. In addition, expert advice is available from ACOT and AFT. However, efforts to expand production further will have only limited success unless producers observe the necessary market disciplines in relation to the disposal of lambs of the right quality at the right time.