Vol. 468 No. 1
214 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he will put in place for September 1996 to deal with the numbers of cattle that will be ready for slaughter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14625/96]
Since the beginning of the BSE crisis effective market support measures have been put in place to help the beef industry. These measures have included the opening up of intervention with the easing of the carcase weight restrictions along with the inclusion of 04 grades. In addition, the increase in export refunds by 12 per cent since 1 May has boosted exports to third countries.
The Commission has now decided on the intervention arrangements for September. While I am disappointed that the weight limit has been reduced to 390kg, I am pleased that grade 04 steers remain eligible. My Department will monitor the adequacy of these arrangements and will seek more appropriate arrangements should this be deemed necessary.
I should point out, however, that intervention will not provide a complete solution to the problem. The opening of third country markets will be a very important factor in underpinning cattle prices in the autumn. In this regard I am pleased that an Iranian veterinary delegation is presently in Ireland. I see this visit as the logical and essential next step to reopening the market. In the case of Libya, arrangements are now at an advanced stage for my visit to that country.
