Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine to hold separate discussions on development of sheep sector and supply of creosote timber

The meeting at 5.30pm in Committee Room 3 of Leinster House will be divided into two sessions:

• 5.30pm-7.30pm – Development of the Sheep Sector with representatives from Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and Sheep Milk Ireland Ltd;
• 7.30pm-8.30pm – Supply of Creosote Timber with representatives from J. Geoghegan Agri Ltd and associates.

Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Jackie Cahill said: “The sheep sector is critically important to Irish agriculture in terms of employment and domestic and export sales. There are serious concerns among farmers about the vulnerability of the sector to rising input costs coupled with downward pressure on the prices paid for sheep meat and wool.

“The Committee welcomes the opportunity to discuss these issues, as well as supports for the sector and dog attacks on sheep, with the IFA. Members also look forward to discussing the potential for development of sheep milk and cheese production with Sheep Milk Ireland Ltd.

“In our second session with Mr Geoghegan and his colleagues, we will discuss concerns about the effects that the incoming ban on creosote fencing material will have on Irish fencing supply businesses, farmers and fencing contractors.”

The Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 3 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.