Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, T.D., that advance payments  under the Sheep Welfare Scheme commenced today.

“I also welcome the provision of funding for an additional year of the sheep welfare scheme and that additional year will be opening next February.  New entrants to the sheep sector can join the scheme at that time.

364 farmers in Cavan will receive a total payment of €230,529 and 195 farmers in Monaghan will receive payments totalling €130,539”, stated Brendan Smith TD.