IFA national sheep chair John Lynskey will meet with the Department of Agriculture on the new sheep support scheme on Thursday.

After securing an additional €25m in funding for a targeted sheep support scheme, John Lysnkey said it is important that the new scheme is both simple and effective in supporting the sheep sector.

Schemes funded under the RDP have requirements to be met. Lynskey said one area being looked at is welfare, which could allow a payment on a per-animal basis.

He is also keen to see a finalised scheme that will deliver a positive impact for the sheep sector, as well as not incurring any cost to the farmer.

There will be an update from this meeting on www.farmersjournal.ie on Thursday and in next week’s Irish Farmers Journal.