Joe Walsh
Ceist:10 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when the beef quality assurance scheme will be fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10940/97]
Other Questions. - Beef Assurance Scheme.
In conjunction with the industry, my Department is developing a national beef assurance scheme which, as agreed in Partnership 2000, will be fully implemented by spring of 1998. The purpose of the scheme is to reinforce consumer confidence in beef products and to provide a comprehensive tracing system for cattle and carcases destined for the human food chain.
Does the Minister agree he has been promising the implementation of such a scheme since 20 March last year when a debate on BSE erupted in the House of Commons and caused difficulties for us in markets at home and abroad? The spring of 1998 is too late for the implementation of such a scheme. Can the Minister assure our exporters, cattle producers and meat plants he will introduce the scheme sooner?
I have given this matter high priority during the past 14 months. This is an extremely major undertaking, requiring significant resources in computerisation, technology and administration as well as the commitment of the food chain. An outline of the main elements involved in the operation of the scheme will highlight the difficulties involved. A computerised movement monitoring system must be put in place to trace animals to their current locations and all residencies throughout their lives. This will involve a census. Thus, at the point of slaughter it will be possible to trace each farm on which animals were kept. It will also be necessary to agree a Protocol at factory, farm, feed compounder and mart levels, including registration and compliance with the provisions set out in the quality assurance scheme. This will require independent verification from a vet. It will also be necessary to introduce a system of penalties and to make the scheme compulsory. I converted the TB forum into an animal health forum to provide for a maximum level of consultation on these matters. I said the scheme would be launched by Easter, but we have reached an impasse in that the IFA considers that contiguous TB testing and the payment of same is an obstacle to finalising the scheme. The scheme is 95 per cent agreed and I hope to launch it soon.
We are familiar with major launches from the Minister.
With nothing to support them.
We want assurance that our cattle and products can regain entry to the markets out of which they are currently locked. Does the Minister appreciate the urgency of the scheme to allay the fears of customers and consumers at home and abroad? The scheme is essential to gain access to those markets. Will the Minister assure the House he will bring forward the date of implementation?
If possible I will introduce the scheme at an earlier date, but its details will be launched soon. From my discussions with the Russians I do not believe, even if such a scheme were in place, they would have altered their decision. I am pleased the incidence of BSE is on the decline. The figures for March and April are promising. The figures for the latter half of last year were less than for the first half. The scheme is targeted mainly at the retail premium European market rather than third country trade.
The Deputy will be aware that normally there are very detailed specifications on certifications for beef exports to those countries, but this scheme will be of particular value to high quality premium retail markets. A labelling and identification directive agreed in Luxembourg this week is currently being dealt with by the Council of Ministers in Brussels and we will have to comply with its provisions. The scheme will not have that much bearing on world trade, but it will have a significant impact on European business in the long run.
Will the Minister agree the quality assurance scheme is essential to restore confidence in and increase the price of beef? Will he agree it is ridiculous to suggest it will take two and a half years for the scheme to be put in place in light of all the representations he and many Deputies have received? Will he agree that anything being done is in abeyance because of the hiccup? The Minister should be honest with Members, farmers and consumers about the fact that he does not have sufficient interest in this to bring forward the implementation of the scheme.
The Deputy is talking rubbish. I have taken giant steps forward before the implementation of this scheme. All meat plants now have a system to check the person who brings in cattle for slaughter. Each bullock can be traced back to the ten month or 22 month premium schemes and there is a permit system in operation for males. Prior to this ear tags were taken out of cattle on boats to Egypt and recycled. There was a lack of control in the system, but rigid controls are now in place. We will computerise TB records, superimpose them on the system——
The Minister said what he will do, but what has he done?
——and enforce the regulations on animal permit movement. We have invested several million pounds in computerisation of DVOs, meat plants and ports. We have agreed the bones of a farm Protocol and a factory Protocol with the meat factories and farming organisations. They cover the type of animal feed used and the use of illegal substances. The Deputy will be aware of the strong line I took on that matter and the spectacular convictions for breaches of the Animal Remedies Act. It would be wrong to say if this scheme was up and running tomorrow there would be an upward flip in prices. The introduction of this scheme is not related to prices, but to the integrity of our beef product and ensuring state of the art policing of beef production.This measure has not been put in place in any other country except France. We can look forward to a major launch of the scheme very shortly.