Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018
488. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the growing campaign relating to the beef grid, particularly in circumstances in which his predecessor gave a commitment to review the matter in November 2015; and the reason for the protracted delay in providing a review. [7224/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Quality Payment System (QPS) was introduced in December 2009 following intensive negotiations between Meat Industry Ireland and farmers representatives in order to incentivise and reward the production of quality beef for cattle with a superior carcass confirmation. The payment system involves the use of a base price agreed between processors and suppliers for cattle with a carcass confirmation of R= and R- and a fat class of 2+, 3 and 4. Cattle grading better than these base criteria will receive a premium above the base price and cattle grading below these base criteria will receive a price less than the base price.
The QPS or beef grid as referred to in this question, is a payment mechanism whereby a price is determined and paid by processors to farmer suppliers. As this is a commercial matter between processors and farmers I cannot interfere with this and it would be inappropriate for me or my Department to take a role in a review of any pricing mechanism.
It is therefore the responsibility of the beef processing industry and farming organisations to discuss the QPS and formulate the methodology of any review. It is their agreement and therefore it must be their review and I have stated this position several times. However, if both parties do wish to undertake a review of the QPS I have offered the services of Teagasc to provide any technical assistance in any review of the grid.
