Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 1991

Vol. 412 No. 6

Written Answers. - Beef Carcase Classification Scheme.

Michael Finucane

Question:

65 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the number of appeals for reclassification under the beef carcase classification scheme, for the period May-August, 1991, inclusive, for bovine animals; if he will further outline the number of appeals which were (1) successful and (2) unsuccessful; and the total slaughterings in beef export plants during this period.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. O'Kennedy)

Specific figures for the period in question are not yet available. The latest period for which data is available on appeals for reclassification under the beef carcase classification scheme is 1 January to 30 April 1991, in respect of which I have already supplied information to the Deputy in a written reply on 5 June last.

However, I understand from preliminary results to hand that the number of appeals for the period May to August 1991 should be in keeping with the rate of those lodged during the whole of last year and during the first four months of 1991. The number of appeals as a percentage of total slaughterings during these periods were in the range 1.6 per cent to 1.8 per cent. I also expect that successful appeals during the May to August period will be about 24 per cent of the total, which is also in keeping with last year's rate and that of the earlier part of this year. This would represent a level of some 0.4 per cent of the total kill.

Total slaughterings at beef export plants during the period in question were 405,772 head.