asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the retail price of meat is now too high for people to purchase their normal requirements; if he will state what steps his Department propose adopting in order to reduce the retail price of meat; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Meat.
The retail price of fresh meat is related to market prices for cattle and sheep. There has been a shortage of prime cattle and fat sheep for the victualling trade and, in consequence, market prices have advanced substantially. The decline in the numbers of prime quality animals on offer is due to the exceptionally severe weather which prevailed earlier in the year and to the shortage of feeding stuffs after the poor harvest last year. Owing to the unusually cold weather which prevailed recently, pastures are still bare, and the arrival of grass-fed animals in the markets has been delayed. Given more favourable weather conditions, the situation should improve shortly and the price of cattle and sheep should return to more normal levels.