Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney has agreed to examine all support mechanisms available for sheep in early 2016, according to IFA Sheep chairman John Lynskey.

The IFA is again calling for a €20 per ewe payment to maintain the national sheep flock and bring about growth in the sheep sector, following a reduction in the ewe numbers in 2014, and address low income in the sector. Lynskey said: “The IFA met with Minister Coveney on sheep issues in November and the Minister accepted that sheep farming is a low-income sector and needs ongoing support. IFA put forward a strong case that to maintain and grow the sector there is a need for increased targeted direct support and IFA is seeking the equivalent of €20 per ewe. Twenty-two member states have introduced coupled payments for sheep as part of CAP Reform with an average payment of €12 per ewe.”