Sheep Industry Decline and Policy
The Minister gives census figures showing a fall in sheep numbers, notes the Mountain Lamb Extension Scheme’s return, and outlines forthcoming Community trade arrangements.
asked the Minister for Agriculture what steps the Government intend to take to arrest the serious decline in the sheep industry.
9.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will make a statement on the present position in relation to the achievement of a common European Community policy for sheep.
10.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Agriculture the sheep population as at the June census in 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976 and 1977; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose taking Questions Nos. 8 to 10, inclusive, together.
The sheep population as recorded in the June census of 1970, 1972 and 1974 was 4.08 million, 4.26 million and 4.06 million, respectively. The provisional figure for June, 1976, is 3.54 million. The result of the June, 1977, census is not yet available.
I have taken an initial step to assist the sheep industry by reintroducing the Mountain Lamb Extension Scheme as from 12th October.
As regards the longer term, the freeing of intra-Community trade in sheep and sheepmeat as from the end of the transitional period should significantly improve the situation. Also new proposals for a common policy for sheepmeat are expected to be put forward by the Commission within the next month.