Vol. 516 No. 6
251 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if a decision has been made to have funding provided by his Department towards the national sheep shearing championships to be held in Dunamaggan, County Kilkenny. [9131/00]
My Department endeavours to be as supportive as possible to important events in the agricultural calendar. However, due to limited budget allocations support for all championships and shows cannot be provided. No provision has been made for Exchequer funding for the national sheep shearing championships to be held in County Kilkenny later this year or any other similar national competitions.
I am arranging to have some Exchequer assistance provided on a once-off basis to the National Sheep Shearers Association of Ireland this year towards the cost of acquiring a sheep shearing stage which can be used to host the association's competitions as well as facilitate shearing courses for young farmers in the future.
