Vol. 494 No. 4
103 Mr. J. Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will make a statement on the position in relation to the national beef assurance scheme, including progress on the computerised cattle movement monitoring system; and if he will give a timetable for its implementation. [17651/98]
Substantial progress has been made towards implementing the national beef assurance scheme, including the animal traceability elements. Phase one of the computerised cattle movement monitoring system was introduced on 28 September last when 40 marts began recording details of cattle movements through their premises and when farmers and dealers began to make notifications about private sales. As the year continues, the intention is to bring all remaining marts, meat plants and live export points into the system.
Arrangments for the introduction of the wider national beef assurance scheme are also well advanced. The texts of the standards to be applied by farms, meat plants, marts and others involved in the industry have been the subject of extensive consultation with industry partners over recent months. Later this month, I expect to be in a position to present to Cabinet proposals for legislation to underpin the scheme.
