Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2014
613. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the level of competition within the beef trade, including in the processing of the produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9682/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present in Ireland there are 30 major slaughtering plants supervised by my Department and some 220 low volume facilities under the supervision of local authorities. In addition there are also a number of standalone facilities engaged in boning and other value added activities. All of these companies compete for cattle from farmers for processing and any farmer is free to supply cattle to any processing facility they wish. I am aware that the Competition Authority also monitors practices in the processing sector and I welcome this input also in ensuring that a level playing field exists for suppliers.
