Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 26 Mar 1997

Vol. 477 No. 1

Written Answers. - Beef Carcase Regulations.

James Leonard

Ceist:

205 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will make a statement on meat slaughter plants paying a flat rate for beef which in the long-term could affect quality and carcase formation if quality beef is not reflected in price paid. [6841/97]

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

Under the European Communities Beef Carcase Classification Regulations the processor is obliged to give the vendor full details of the weight, carcase classification and other characteristics on the purchase document. While these regulations provide a framework for the purchase of cattle on the basis of quality, the mechanism used for payment for cattle is a matter solely between the processor and the vendor.

Price differentials for the various conformation classes are usually applied and they depend on supply and demand at any given time and on the requirements of those outlets which have the greatest influence on the market at any particular time, as well as, of course, the commercial realities of the business. While the method of payment is a private contractual matter between the purchaser and the vendor I am very much in favour of the price being related to the quality characteristics of the animal. This would reward beef producers for higher quality thereby contributing to the overall improvement of the industry.