Vol. 501 No. 1
33 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps, if any, he has taken to introduce an objectively based grading system for carcase classification; the countries he has visited to observe the successful workings of the system; when he will introduce this for utilisation at factory level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5372/99]
My Department, in conjunction with Teagasc, is currently examining objectively based grading systems being developed in other countries, specifically Denmark, Germany, France and Australia. An officer of my Department with an industry delegation visited Denmark in August 1998 to examine the operation of the BCC-2 system. The intention is to establish trials in Ireland with a view to examining the applicability of an objective system in Irish conditions. Until such time as these trials are completed and the system has been evaluated, no decision can be taken as to the introduction of a mechanical grading system at factory level. None of the mechanical grading systems being evaluated has yet been granted approval by the European Commission.
In extremely adverse economic circumstances, particularly for the beef industry, a view is abroad that a more severe approach is being taken to the grading of cattle slaughtered at beef processing plants. Does the Minister agree that the key issues in grading are consistency and uniformity, and that where subjective standards apply it is not possible to achieve the required levels? Is he satisfied that the standards applied at all beef processing premises are standard and uniform? Farmers have 24 hours to appeal a grading assessment – did the Department furnish the appeal documentation to the factories, as promised to me in the Dáil on 16 December?
I note that the objective, high-technology grading systems in Denmark, Australia and Germany were visited by a Department official. Has the Minister of State, who has a lot of practical knowledge, not gone there himself? I ask that he do so because this is a major issue for farmers. Every penny counts if one has a beef bullock, and the difference is significant, as the Minister knows. I ask him to take a personal interest and report within two months on progress towards the introduction of an objective, high-technology grading system.
I am aware of dissatisfaction with the grading systems and that farmers are questioning it. We do not know whether it is wrong or right; we believe an independent grading assessment is being carried out at factories but to remove the human element we are looking at mechanical means. As the national agency for research and development, Teagasc is carrying out work in this area. I do not know what system will be put in place.
I have not visited any factories where the mechanical system is in place but I am considering looking at one or two of them, those which would be most opportune for Ireland to introduce. This is a contentious area and we must have grading if we are to have a quality product. There is another question on this matter.
I am glad of the Minister's assurance that he will take a personal interest in the matter and that he will introduce, as quickly as possible, whichever system is most applicable. The flat rate grading system which we have used up to now is part of our difficulties. Only four years ago, 50 per cent of animals going through factories were graded as ewes; today, less than 6 per cent are in those grades. Is there any reason for that? Can the Minister give an explanation other than dual breeds, etc.? Does that not indicate—
Question No. 39, tabled by another Deputy, specifically deals with quality and grading and I will provide the information requested by Deputy Penrose when that question is taken. It is not for me to decide but I believe the Deputy's supplementary is not relevant to his original question.
The supplementary broadens the scope of the original question.
