Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Jul 1999

Vol. 507 No. 4

Written Answers. - Beef Prices.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

103 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the price being paid to beef producers in each of the EU member states including Ireland; the price charged to the consumer in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17099/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The weighted market prices being paid to beef producers for young male animals in each of the EU member states for the week ended 13 June 1999 are set out in the following table which I propose to circulate in the Official Report.

Country	Young BullsPer Kg(IR£)	Steers PerKg(IR£)
Ireland	–	86.14
France	102.31	105.44
U.K.	–	101.63
Belgium	97.85	–
Denmark	91.35	–
Germany	94.02	–
Greece	134.64	–
Spain	97.18	–
Finland	101.76	–
Italy	112.78	–
Luxembourg	101.39	106.73
Holland	94.13	–
Austria	95.26	–
Portugal	110.29	–
Sweden	95.82	–

With regard to retail prices, data is available from surveys carried out by the Central Statistics Office in Ireland and by the Meat and Livestock Commission in the UK. I have no information on retail price data in other member states. The most recent available prices for a basket of beef products in Ireland and the UK are set out in the following table which I propose to circulate in the Official Report.

Ireland (IR£ per kg) 19/6/99	Round Steak	6.151	U.K. (IR £ per kg) 19/6/99	Topside	5.000
Sirloin Steak	8.393	Sirloin Steak	9.712
Rib Steak	3.932	Rump Steak	7.096
Leg Beef (Boneless)	4.228	Fillet Steak	1.418
Brisket	4.040	Stewing Steak	3.856
		Braising Steak	3.944

Average Irish cattle prices are lower than in all other member states. The reason for this difference relates to our distance from the major markets and the associated transport costs, the suitability of the Irish product for EU markets and a preference for domestically produced beef in those markets.

One of the main recommendations of the beef task force, which has now submitted its report to me, is to narrow the gap between EU and Irish prices. This will involve the development of a market led industry based on high quality primary production and increased penetration of high value EU retail markets. An Bord Bia marketing strategy is to increase the level of exports to the EU from 195,000 tonnes in 1998 to 280,000 tonnes by 2002. The introduction of proper price differentials for cattle by the processing industry, combined with the adoption of better breeding practices by producers, should help to improve the quality of Irish cattle and, in that way, narrow the gap between Irish and EU cattle prices.

With regards to consumer prices it is my view that a fall in producer prices should be reflected in a reduction in the retail price. Matters concerning consumer prices and market competition come within the remit of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.