Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2007
108 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will introduce a ewe welfare and quality scheme similar to the suckler cow scheme for the sheep industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8819/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sheep Industry Development Strategy Group issued its report in June 2006. This is a comprehensive study of the sheep industry which sets out a Development Plan for the sector contained in 37 recommendations. I decided that the best way to implement these recommendations was to set up an implementation body comprised of representatives of all sectors in the industry, including the relevant state bodies. It is chaired by Mr John Malone, former Secretary General of my Department, who was also the author of the Strategy Group report.
The recommendations address issues such as ewe welfare and quality assurance. The Implementation Group is nearing the completion of its work and I look forward to its final report in the near future.
