In launching the Animal Welfare Sheep Scheme, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed acknowledged the sheep sector has had to be patient in receiving Government assistance. He rightly summed up that the scheme won’t be a game changer, rather a recognition of a sector that he described as an integral part of rural Ireland which is contributing positively to Ireland’s exports.

The minister must be commended for recognising the vulnerabilities of the sector and in particular that a high percentage of the farmers who will benefit from the scheme are in areas with low prospects for alternative employment.

Coupled with low returns in more marginal areas, keeping farmers operating in these areas will be a challenge not just for the sheep sector but also for suckler and beef enterprises.

The sheep scheme is a lesson in what can be delivered by a collaborative approach in constructing a workable scheme.

The IFA, from sheep committee chair John Lynskey right down to grass roots level, deserve credit in keeping the pressure on to secure a workable scheme, with credit also to DAFM officials in keeping an open mind in discussions.