615. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the supports available to assist sheep farmers in addressing the impact of rising costs and evolving environmental requirements; the uptake of each related such schemes for Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51097/26]

The comprehensive €100m Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs should help to mitigate short-term impacts in those sectors and the recent Government announcement of the further extension of the full excise rate until the end of August will provide reassurance and certainty to farm families and businesses.

In Budget 2026, I secured an allocation of €131m for the livestock sector, which will ensure the continuation of existing dedicated supports, including those worth €42m to sheep farmers in 2026.

Those supports consist of €20m for the multi-annual CSP Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) and €22m for the annual National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS).

The total number of Cork applications received for 2026 exchequer-funded NSWS is 851.

The total number of Cork applications for the 2026 EU co-funded SIS is 833.

In addition, there are many other multi-annual schemes available under the current CSP, which is worth €9.8 billion to farmers and rural communities between 2023 and 2027. These include basic income payments as well as agri-environment, investment and organic farming schemes, which are particularly significant for sheep farmer incomes. There are 179 farmers in Cork, who primarily farm sheep, with approximately 23,000 sheep in the Organic Farming Scheme.

I can also advise that my Department is also currently reviewing the Fertiliser Action Plan published by the EU Commission in May.

I am determined to continue providing sheep farmers with practical supports to ensure the future viability and environmental sustainability of those enterprises.