Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
1099. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific scientific basis for the 30-month age limit remaining as a requirement for the slaughtering of beef in Ireland; if he will consider removing the rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10252/21]
View answer1100. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider introducing the required measures to ensure the removal of the four-movement rule for livestock; his views on whether the rule is anti-competitive in nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10253/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1099 and 1100 together.
There is no rule limiting the age of cattle or the number of movements for beef production. Such specifications are entirely a commercial matter and are not conditions imposed by my Department. In-spec bonus payments are made in respect of cattle which meet certain market specifications demanded by trade customers. The 30-month age and four movement specification to which you refer are examples of this.
It should be noted, however, that certain third countries have imposed a 30-month age limit in respect of beef imports, and this will be specified in the veterinary health certificate which will accompany beef exports to those countries.
In September 2019, consensus was reached between stakeholders on the Irish Beef Sector Agreement.
Two elements of this relate to the specifications cited:
- the introduction of a new bonus of 8c/kg for steers and heifers aged between 30 to 36 months, which meet all non-age related existing in-spec criteria, and which up to now have not received any bonus;
- an independent review of market and customer requirements, specifically in relation to the four in-spec bonus criteria currently in operation in the Irish beef sector.
The details of this agreement are publicly available on my Department’s website. https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1a060-beef-taskforce/#irish-beef-sector-agreement
Grant Thornton was successful in tendering for the transparency studies including the review of market and customer requirements, specifically in relation to the in-spec bonus criteria currently in operation in the Irish beef sector.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused some initial delays to progress on these studies, but this work is expected to be concluded soon.
