Fergus O'Dowd
Question:115 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food about mechanical beef grading. [20167/04]
View answerTuesday, 6 July 2004
Questions (83)
Written answers
Ireland will be among the first countries in Europe to classify beef carcases by mechanical means when this new technology is commissioned and operating in meat factories. As part of Sustaining Progress I gave a firm commitment to move in this direction and the process is now close to completion.
After appropriate trials were conducted late last year I was in a position earlier this year to approve three machines for commercial use in Ireland. In addition, in order to encourage maximum uptake of mechanical grading, I introduced a scheme of grant assistance towards the purchase and installation costs of the equipment. Following agreement with the industry, the meat processors are now engaged in the purchase and installation of machines.