Louth TD calls for sheep farmers to receive 'fair share' of Brexit compensation

Louth TD, Peter Fitzpatrick and the Independent Regional Group of TDs have called on the Government to review a decision not to include the sheep farming sector as part of a Brexit compensation fund called the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR).

The members of the Regional Group are asking the Government to revisit what they believe "can only be regarded as a mistake" concerning the Government's interpretation of the impact of Brexit on the Sheep Farming sector.

In calling for a review of the decision, Deputy Fitzpatrick noted, "the Government are currently maintaining the view that sheep farming was not affected by Brexit, and as a result are denying people in that sector access to a fair proportion BAR funding.

"The evidence that sheep farming was affected by Brexit is strong, and the decision not to support people in this sector needs to be reversed immediately."

Deputy Fitzpatrick explained the reasons why sheep farmers were affected: "Brexit negotiations began in June 2016 and caused turmoil in the sheep trade as it weakened the currency, making UK lamb far more competitive.

"The notion of the threat of a no-deal in Brexit caused the price of sheep to fluctuate repeatedly in the trade and resulted in lambs selling for an estimated €30-€50 lower per lamb each year during the entire Brexit process."

"Those involved in the sheep farming industry were negatively affected by Brexit and deserved a proportional share in BAR funding. As part of the Regional Group, we have written to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine seeking a review of this decision immediately."