Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 2

Written Answers. - Beef Prices.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

158 Mr. Calley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry his views on the current beef prices; the issues, if any, he has considered in view of the current crises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18689/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

Cattle prices in Ireland have stabilised during the last few weeks. I am hopeful of a gradual improvement over the coming months as prices on the Continent improve in response to a modest recovery in beef consumption.

The measures adopted by the Government and the European Commission have made a substantial contribution towards relieving the worst elements of the crisis. Intervention purchasing has played a major role in stabilising the market. The EU Commission has responded to my request to improve the effectiveness of the intervention mechanism. It has increased the weight limit, added to the list of eligible grades, increased the processors margin and increased the ceiling on purchases allowed into intervention.

In addition I have negotiated a very substantial compensation package worth over £70 million which has now been paid to producers. This will go a long way towards alleviating the losses suffered by producers. The deseasonalisation slaughtér premium which is worth £16 million will also continue in 1997 and will be of major importance in underpinning the incomes of winter fatteners.

Export refunds were also increased and these have given Irish processors a competitive edge on international markets as is evidenced by the high level of exports from this country. The Government continues to work assiduously to ensure that all markets are opened to our product. Last month I launched a national campaign of beef promotion on behalf of An Bord Bia. The new measures which I announced recently relating to identification of animals at slaughter plants and export points will provide greater assurances to consumers and customers and should be a major help in promoting our beef on all markets.