Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2021
343. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the tonnage of quality assured beef produced in Ireland in 2020; the corresponding figure for non-quality assured beef; the breakdown of tonnage that attracts each quality assured bonus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60435/21]
View answerMy Department publish data annually on the numbers of cattle slaughtered at both Department approved Slaughter Plants and at Local Authority approved abattoirs. In 2020, 1.88 million cattle were slaughtered. According to CSO meat supply balance data, this equates to around 633,000 tonnes (carcass weight equivalent).
My Department does not categorise cattle slaughtering by quality assured or non-quality assured, or track whether a bonus is paid in this commercial transaction between the farmer and the slaughter plant. However, Bord Bia has confirmed that the vast majority of all beef processed in Ireland comes from Quality Assured farms.
It should be noted that while the Department has policy responsibility for Bord Bia, queries in relation to operational issues, such as the matter referenced, should be directed to Bord Bia for response.
