Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 3

Written Answers. - Lamb Prices.

Ulick Burke

Question:

119 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will monitor the actions of meat factories which have substantially and unnecessarily reduced the price of spring lamb at the factories in response to the availability of large numbers prior to tagging; and the plans he has to contact these factories to request a justification for such reduction in prices to the producers. [19441/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh):

The price paid by factories for lamb is a commercial matter for the plants involved and is largely determined by demand and supply.

Producers of lamb have in fact received a welcome boost to their incomes this year. Average abattoir prices for lamb to date have been approximately 30% above last year's levels and in the past month they have been more than 50% higher than the same period last year.