27 May Commencement of Balancing Payments of 15% under Sheep Welfare Scheme -Dillon
Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon, has today welcomed the commencement of the 15% balancing payments to all eligible farmers under year 4 of the Sheep Welfare Scheme. The Scheme is co-funded by the European Union as part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020.
Deputy Dillon said , “I am pleased to welcome that a total of €16.6 million is today issuing to some 18,300 farmers participating in the Sheep Welfare Scheme throughout the Country, with over 2,600 farmers here in County Mayo.
The scheme reflects the commitment of the Government to the sheep sector in Ireland and provides a significant financial boost to the individual farmers and the sheep sector in general.” Said Dillon.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D stated, “The commencement of the balancing payments under the scheme on time continues to reflect the commitment of this Government to the sheep sector in Ireland, particularly in light of the challenging environment faced by farmers in the sector.”
The Minister added that, “I was pleased to announce an extension to the scheme for Budget 2021, reflecting the continued commitment of this Government to the scheme and sheep farmers throughout Ireland. The Sheep Welfare Scheme is a key component in meeting my Department’s goal of promoting and safe guarding animal health and welfare for the benefit of consumers, producers, the economy and wider society, as set out in the Department’s Statement of Strategy 2021-2024 and Action Plan 2021.
It also underlines my absolute commitment to the sector.”
Deputy Dillon said “ In November 2020 I confirmed the rate for the advance payment was set at 85% and today I welcome the 15% balancing payment. I urge any farmers with outstanding queries to respond to the Department immediately in order to facilitate payment.
The Department’s Statement of Strategy (2021 – 2024) and Action Plan 2021 can be viewed on the Department’s website at the following address: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a9d51-statement-of-strategy-2021-2024/