Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
772. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of lambs imported to Ireland during the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021, by month, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43447/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra773. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the tonnage of sheep meat imported to Ireland during the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021, by month, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43448/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 772 and 773 together.
I am very conscious of the important role that the sheep sector plays in the continued growth and development of our agri-food sector, and its valuable contribution to the rural economy.
The strong performance of the sector in 2020 has continued into 2021. Reductions in production globally and increased demand are expected to support continued strong performance throughout 2021.
The Sheep Welfare Scheme was introduced in December 2016 as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, having been agreed with the European Commission. In the four years of the scheme to date, €66.9 million has been paid to 18,268 farmers. The Sheep Welfare scheme has been extended in 2021 as part of the transition arrangements prior to the next CAP and work is underway on development of supports for the sustainable development of the sheep sector under the next CAP.
The tables below show the volume of sheep meat and live sheep trade in the period requested. By way of comparison for the first half of 2021 (January - June), Ireland exported over 26,000 tonnes of sheepmeat worth over €170million.
