Ivor Callely
Ceist:141 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to refer the alleged cartel between the beef factories to the Competition Authority. [10933/97]
Written Answers. - Beef Factories.
Joe Walsh
Ceist:144 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to introduce a system of price transparency in relation to beef factories in view of the operation of an alleged cartel in their mode of operation. [10936/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 144 together.
My Department has no direct involvement in relation to prices paid by meat processors for cattle. However, under the European Communities Beef Carcase Classification Regulations, which are implemented by my Department, the processor is obliged to give the vendor full details of the weight, carcase classification and other characteristics in the purchase document. While these regulations provide a basis for the payment for cattle on the basis of quality, the extent to which this mechanism is used for payment is a matter solely between the processors and the vendor.
I have not been made aware of any evidence of the existence of a cartel in relation to price fixing by meat factories and if such evidence exists it should be referred to the Department of Enterprise and Employment so that it can be dealt with under the relevant legislation on competition.I should also add that there are 33 licensed export plants in this country.