Martin Ferris
Question:199 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the impact he views the proposed change or abolition of the over 30 month scheme for cattle in the Six Counties will have on the beef industry. [11776/03]
Written Answers. - Agricultural Schemes.
Under the OTMS approximately 800,000 cattle are slaughtered in the UK annually, of which close on 140,000 are slaughtered in Northern Ireland. The UK authorities are considering changes to the OTMS from 1 January 2004. A decision is not expected until after July 2003.
The impact on the beef market of a change to the OTMS is being monitored by my Department and An Bord Bia. Until a decision is made on the date and form of any change to the scheme its impact on Irelands beef trade with the UK cannot be fully assessed. The negative effect of any change to the OTMS on trade patterns in 2004 will however be mitigated by the substantial reduction in EU beef intervention stocks in 2003 and the return to a more balanced overall EU market.