Vol. 533 No. 5
55 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on the way in which the £50 million worth of beef from Irish factories which is in storage can be disposed of; if he has raised this with the EU Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9291/01]
I am aware that Irish beef processors are currently holding a substantial quantity of beef which was produced prior to the introduction of the BSE testing or destruction requirement in relation to beef from over 30 month cattle. I understand the processors concerned are finding it extremely difficult to dispose of these stocks because the beef was neither BSE tested at the time of production nor the ages of the animals certified as under 30 months.
56 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the action being taken by his Department to encourage and promote the finishing of cattle at younger ages in line with market demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9173/01]
In view of recent developments at EU level it is likely that in future there will be greater commercial demand for cattle slaughtered below 30 months. While the finishing of cattle is primarily a matter for the industry itself, my Department has asked Teagasc to prepare guidelines for farmers on the feeding and management strategies needed to facilitate the finishing of cattle before they reach 30 months of age. I understand that Teagasc has circulated a briefing document to its livestock advisers around the country. Teagasc has also prepared leaflets for farmers on this issue and will be holding a series of public demonstrations in the near future on appropriate feedings and breeding practices for cattle from the suckler cow herd.
While it is the case that steers from the suckler herd will have the greatest difficulty in reaching the finishing stage by 30 months of age, Teagasc research shows that it is quite possible. Producers who wish to finish these cattle early will have to pay greater attention to good husbandry practices generally, including animal health, good performance at grass, silage quality and the feeding of concentrates where good quality silage is not available.
