Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
615. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a financial support package for the sheep sector due to the adverse impact of Covid-19 resulting in market instability and loss of income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12502/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials and I have ongoing contact with all the key stakeholders across the agri-food sector since the start of the pandemic. My Department and I are working to ensure that business and services to farmers can continue, keeping food and other processing facilities operational, ensuring that payments and commercial activities that are necessary to protect farm incomes can continue.
It should be noted that, for the sheep sector, national average price and slaughter volumes this year are above 2019 levels.
