Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has welcomed €398,355 in advance payments for 536 sheep farmers in Cavan and Monaghan under Year 6 of the Sheep Welfare Scheme.

Deputy Brendan Smith commented, “I am pleased to see €398,355 in advance payments for 536 sheep farmers in Cavan and Monaghan under Year 6 of the Sheep Welfare Scheme.

“The extension of the scheme over the previous two years and the change to the reference year reflects the commitment of Fianna Fáil in Government to the sheep sector in Cavan and Monaghan and nationally.”

The Cavan and Monaghan TD added, “These advance payments at a rate of 85% of the full annual payment are an important support to sheep farmers in the delivery of key welfare actions and provides a financial boost to the individual farmers and the wider rural economy. The balancing payments for the scheme will issue in the second quarter of 2023.”

Deputy Smith continued: “This is the final year of the Sheep Welfare Scheme, which was introduced in December 2016.

“Later this year, my colleague, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue, will be launching the successor to this scheme, the Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS), which will also be aimed at sheep farmers with breeding ewes. The SIS will build on the progress made by the Sheep Welfare Scheme by providing support for actions that improve animal health and welfare in the sheep sector. 

“The introduction of this scheme will further demonstrate the continuing commitment of Fianna Fáil to the sheep sector for the coming years.”

In concluding, Deputy Smith urged any farmers with outstanding queries to respond to the Department of Agriculture immediately in order to facilitate payment.