Sheep Improvement Scheme payments 'woefully inadequate' 

Sheep farmers have been "failed", according to the ICSA.

There is a payment rate of €12 per eligible breeding ewe under the new scheme.

The €12 per ewe on offer through the new Sheep Improvement Scheme has been described as "woefully inadequate", and an "insult" to sheep farmers, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association has claimed.

The new scheme was launched in recent days, along with the opening of the online application facility.