The balancing payments under the new Sheep Welfare Scheme will commence later this week , the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed announced on Wednesday.

Creed stated that:“I am happy to confirm that the 15% balancing payments under the Sheep Welfare Scheme will now commence on schedule.”

The roll out of balancing payments brings the total paid under the scheme to almost €19 million to some 20,000 farmers, providing a significant financial boost to the individual farmers, the sheep sector in general and the wider rural economy.

The Minister confirmed that his department is continuing to prioritise the processing of outstanding cases, saying that: "Every effort continues to be made to clear for payment the small percentage of outstanding cases, pay runs will continue in order to process cases as quickly as possible”.

Creed concluded by urging farmers with outstanding queries to respond to the department immediately in order to facilitate payment. Payments will continue to issue on an ongoing basis as eligibility is confirmed.

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To date almost €19m has been issued to some 20,000 farmers as part of the initiative.