Clarity over a new sheep welfare scheme is expected to be provided “in due course”, according to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue.
The minister did confirm that this new scheme would be a “national sheep welfare scheme“, which would provide “significant support” to the sheep sector, in addition to the existing Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS).
This new national sheep welfare scheme is worth €15m and it will see a payment of €8/ewe delivered to farmers in the scheme.
This €8/ewe payment was announced for the sheep sector during Budget 2024.
Minister McConalogue said: “Details of that scheme are currently being examined by my officials and will be announced in due course”.
In a meeting held with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) last month, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) national sheep committee submitted two tasks for consideration in the new scheme that would support shearing and dipping in the sector.
These submissions were understood to have been “taken seriously into consideration” by the department officials, along with other “additional tasks” that may be incorporated within the new scheme, according to sources.
The creation of a new sheep scheme for farmers is understood to be a quicker process than an increase to the existing SIS payment.
An increase to the SIS payment to Irish sheep farmers would be subject to “the agreement of the European Commission”, according to Minister McConalogue.
The current SIS payment to farmers is €12/breeding ewe, upon completion of two actions chosen by the farmer from options provided in the scheme terms and conditions.
Minister McConalogue said: “SIS payment rates are based on the agreed costings underlying the actions to be undertaken in the scheme.
“Any increase in payments would thus require changes to the actions currently being undertaken by farmers.”
The SIS is an EU co-funded scheme provided for under the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan.
“Any such changes to the details of the scheme would require the agreement of the European Commission,” Minister McConalogue added.
A total of 16,847 farmers received advance payments under the SIS in November 2023, with the remaining 15% balancing payments due to commence in May 2024.