Sheep study lauded

THE Minister for Agriculture and Food, Ms Mary Coughlan, has welcomed the announcement of a comprehensive study of the sheep industry which will start shortly with the view to drawing up a Development Plan for the sector.

The Minister said: "This is a very positive initiative on the part of the processing industry in partnership with Enterprise Ireland."

A Steering Committee is being established which will monitor progress on the study and will be comprised of representatives of the relevant key players including producers, processors, Teagasc, Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Agriculture and Food.