Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
1232. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the recent beef round table forum regarding processor requirements around carcass weights with the 30 month age limit. [36692/17]
View answerI noted comments made in relation to market specifications generally including those in relation to carcase weights and age limit, by stakeholders at the most recent beef roundtable held on the 12th of July.
However it should be noted that carcase specification requirements are a function of market demand. Any requirements in relation to such specifications laid down by the retail market reflected by processors in the procurement of cattle for slaughter are matters which I cannot interfere with.
Teagasc, with the help of the ICBF and Bord Bia undertook previously at the Beef Roundtable to produce a number of blueprints for sustainable production of beef across a range of finishing enterprises and ages to assist producers in targeting the system of production most suitable for their enterprise. These blueprints which have been since published are an invaluable aid to all producers in finishing cattle in accordance with market specifications.
