Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 7

Written Answers. - Beef Exports.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

60 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there is a grading system in operation at EU level to assess the quality of beef on the European market; if so, the position of Irish beef in quality terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11039/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Since 1981 the EU beef carcase classification system has been used to determine the grades of cattle slaughtered in the EU. The system, which is based on the EUROP grid, determines conformation and fat score levels of each carcase.

There has been a deterioration in the grades of Irish cattle as measured on this EU classification system over the past five years. There has been a drop in the conformation standards and increases in fat levels. At this point in time, less than 20 per cent of our finished cattle are suitable for the premium segments of the European market. A number of factors have contributed to this development of which the flat pricing payment system operated by meat processors over the last number of years is the most significant. Other factors which have also contributed to the deterioration in the grades are the increasing use of the Holstein breed in the dairy herd, use of poor quality breeds in the building up of the suckler cow herd which has increased by some 40 per cent since the 1992 CAP reform agreement. The low level of live trade to third countries over the past three years has also contributed to the deterioration in grading standards as these markets traditionally took poorer quality finished cattle.

The beef task force, which I set up last November, is examining these issues as part of an overall strategy for the beef industry. The task force is expected to complete its report shortly.