asked the Minister for Agriculture the plans he has for the development of schemes for hill sheep farmers and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The future development of the sheep sector must be largely centred around the common organisation of the market for sheepmeat which came into operation on 20 October 1980.

Of special advantage to the sheep producers in mountain areas are the grants available under the EEC Disadvantaged Areas Directive. These will still operate and I will continue to ensure that the form of grants payable will be to the best advantage of the hill producers.

Under the Farm Modernisation Scheme producers can avail of grants for sheep wintering facilities, fencing and improvement of mountain land and lamb-fattening units. Under the western package these grants will be continued and improved.

Breed improvement schemes are also operated by my Department and county committees of agriculture.

In the long term it is by improved management and feeding that sheep producers can guarantee themselves a better future and higher returns. They should use the advice available from ACOT Specialists.