Dara Calleary
Ceist:215 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider providing funding for the establishment of sheep discussion groups. [5956/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 2 February 2012
Ceisteanna (212)
Freagraí scríofa
There has been significant public investment in the sheep sector in recent years. Key supports for this sector include €7 million from the 2009 Single Farm Payment National Reserve under the Uplands Sheep Payment Scheme and €54 million for the three-year Grassland Sheep Scheme which commenced in 2010. The grassland Sheep Scheme is proving to be a valuable support mechanism in terms of improving income and confidence in the sector. The sheep fencing/mobile handling equipment scheme, which is one of five Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS) was re-opened to applications last December and the first tranche will close on 29 February this year. This Scheme will enable many farmers in the sheep sector to complete the necessary investment works in order to maintain competitiveness and introduce increased efficiencies on their farm and so secure the future of their enterprises. All of the supports I have outlined have provided a significant incentive to farmers to maintain their production levels, which is vital for the future of a viable sheep industry in Ireland. In addition, Bord Bia will also spend over €1.1 million this year on the promotion of sheep and lamb at home and abroad and Teagasc has allocated almost €1.5 million for sheep research for 2011.
On the question of providing funding towards the establishment of sheep discussion groups, the realities of the public finances mean that difficult choices have to be made when it comes to allocating scarce Exchequer resources. In common with all other Ministers, I am faced with a number of financial challenges at present and my approach to determining spending priorities is always informed by the need to ensure that scarce public resources are utilised to best effect to facilitate the development of the agri-food industry as a whole, taking into account all the sectors it entails. While unfortunately funding is not available at present for sheep discussion groups, I continue to urge all sheep farmers to avail of the extremely valuable information emerging from Teagasc and Sheep Ireland and to participate where possible in discussion groups or other collaborative initiatives which can assist farmers in making their enterprises more efficient and in improving margins.