Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
432. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who have received the first payment under the sheep improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53315/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sheep Improvement Scheme is funded under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan. It provides support to sheep farmers for carrying out actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector and builds on the progress made by the Sheep Welfare Scheme (SWS), which has now come to an end.
The first year of this 5-year scheme will run from the 1st February 2023 to the 31st of December 2023. With effect from Year 2 of the scheme, the scheme year will run from the 1st of January to the 31st of December annually.
The Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) complements some of the elements provided for in the Sheep Welfare Scheme, while also building on other actions beneficial to sheep health and welfare, including the targeted application of genomic technologies in the sheep sector. The scheme closed to applicants on 9th January 2023.
The number of farmers that have been paid the advance payment for the SIS nationally is 16,847. Payments will continue to issue as applicants meet the scheme requirements.
