Seán Sherlock
Question:41. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the online auction for mart sales is working to full capacity. [41619/20]
View answerTuesday, 8 December 2020
Questions (41)
Written answers
I am satisfied that the online mart system is working successfully in the context of the necessary Public Health restrictions we have applied. I am not aware of any restrictions on capacity.
The vast majority of livestock marts now have systems in place to conduct online auctions. Livestock throughput from 22nd October to 30th November - when Level 5 measures were in place - give a good indication of how well marts and farmers have adapted to Covid measures.
Cattle throughput in this period is at 84% of the comparable period for 2019 (186,000 versus 221,000 head). Sheep throughput is at 83% of the comparable period for 2019 (136, 000 v 164,000 head).
Since the beginning of the Covid19 crisis, my Department has worked intensively, in cooperation with marts representative organisations, to ensure that marts may remain in operation. I would like to commend marts and farmers around the country, for the resilience they have shown in the face of Covid, and the speed with which they have adapted to the new circumstances.
Online sales are reaching a much higher number of farmers and agents than sales on marts premises did, even prior to the start of Covid restrictions. The online service providers have reported to my officials that on occasions more than 40,000 individual daily users have logged in to online mart sales. The majority of marts are reporting good clearance rates and robust prices.
From 1st December, marts have once again been operating under Level 3 measures. Potential buyers can attend the sales ring subject to adhering to 2-metre social distancing, and can view stock in the pens without prior appointment, maintaining 2-metre social distancing.
In recognition of the ongoing investment by marts in IT infrastructure, and subject to receiving the necessary approval, I will be bringing forward a grant scheme for marts early in 2021.
I thank mart managers and farmers for engaging so well durinf the Level 5 restrictions and palying their part in keeping each other safe.