Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2004
114 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when he expects the machines required for automated grading of carcasses to be in place; if he has satisfied himself that the level of training is adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4935/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra155 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation with respect to mechanical grading at the meat plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4842/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 155 together.
I have favoured the introduction of mechanical carcass grading in beef factories for some time and regard it as an important step for the beef industry towards securing its future as a high quality supplier of beef to EU consumer markets. I welcomed the inclusion of this policy in the Sustaining Progress agreement and pressed for some time at EU level to have mechanical grading provided for under EU legislation. Earlier this year, following EU sponsored trials conducted in an Irish slaughter plant, I was in a position to officially approve three machines for commercial use in Ireland.
Detailed negotiations have taken place between the beef industry representatives and my Department and arising out of these, I have announced a scheme of grant assistance towards the purchase and installation costs of the equipment. A maximum grant rate of 40% of approved eligible expenditure, subject to a maximum of €170,000, is available and the scheme is now open for applications. In order to avail of the grant, applicants are required to order the equipment on or before 19 March and installation must be completed by end April 2004.
Mechanical grading is the preferred option of processors and farmers and the use of state of the art technology by the industry will not only enhance the producer processor supply chain but will also provide wider benefits to the industry in future years as Ireland consolidates its position as a supplier of top quality beef to the consumer markets of the EU. I am confident that grading machines will be in operation in a large number of factories in the coming months.
As regards training of factory operatives, a total of 33 meat plant employees based at 16 slaughter plants have successfully completed the training programme provided by my Department. The availability of suitably trained classifiers within the industry is an essential feature of the operation of mechanical grading of carcasses. A limited extension of the training programme has been offered to the remaining plants as part of the final preparations being made for the commencement of mechanical grading.
