John Brassil
Ceist:460. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the four-movement rule on cattle will be amended (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7749/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 19 February 2019
Ceisteanna (460, 463)
John Brassil
Ceist:463. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the 4-movement rule on cattle is the most effective way to ensure quality assurance and the best prices for farmers; if there is evidence to show that additional movement between farms prior to slaughter affects the quality of meat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7834/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 460 and 463 together.
A Quality Payment System (QPS) for the payment in respect of certain categories of cattle at slaughter plants was introduced in 2009 by agreement between Meat Industry Ireland (MII) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).
My understanding is that any additional bonus payments and the conditions attached to qualification for such bonus payments are determined by processors and their customers. Such conditions include a limit on the number of movements of cattle in their lifetime prior to slaughter. This is a private arrangement and my Department has no role in its design.