asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he expects the new meat classification scheme to be operative.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meat Classification Scheme.
86.
The study group which has been examining the question of the feasibility of a classification scheme for our beef exports expect to furnish their report to me shortly. It would then be the intention to operate a pilot scheme to test out their findings.
Can the Minister state if there has been much consultation with producer representatives in the drawing up of this classification scheme, particularly as the producers are not represented directly on the group who are doing the job?
My information is that much detailed work has been done on the technical side. It is expected that the study group will commence the pilot scheme quite soon.
I asked the Minister a specific question in relation to consultation with the producer representatives. Has this consultation taken place?
This question was not asked by Deputy Bruton in his original question. I do not know the precise methods adopted by the study group but since their task was to determine a certain specific problem I assume they adopted the means they thought best.
That should not involve excluding the producers.
Is the Deputy saying they have been excluded?
I do not know. I just said they should not be excluded.