Gay Mitchell
Question:45 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the national beef assurance scheme is in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13912/03]
Written Answers. - Beef Quality Assurance Scheme.
The position in relation to the National Beef Assurance Scheme is that the traceability elements have been fully operational since 1 January 2000. It was envisaged that other elements of the scheme, in particular the inspection and approval of farms, would be undertaken last year in conjunction with the annual round of testing. Detailed discussions took place with the veterinary and farming representative organisations to this end and a Protocol for the conduct of inspections was agreed. However, only a small number of inspections took place because of resistance to implementation of the scheme mainly by veterinarians whose Union is seeking a centralised payment system for the costs involved. This could not be agreed as the legislation establishing the scheme specifically provides that the cost of securing approval is the responsibility of the applicant. In addition, the Exchequer has already invested in excess of €50 million in developing the traceability system and costs will continue to be accrued under this heading.
Further discussions were held with the veterinary and farming representative organisations earlier this year and, while some progress was made, the main issue of payment was not resolved. Part-time farmers are also eligible the same direct payment as full-time farmers and have benefited from the increased payments under Agenda 2000. Similarly, other market support measures such as intervention and export refunds which help maintain output prices benefit both full and part-time farmers.