Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022
921. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the dissection studies completed by Teagasc (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31886/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra922. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reward for premium cattle with a grading classification of E=3=, in which increments on the grid are at six cents, kg; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31887/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 921 and 922 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the price paid for beef is a matter for the industry and the farmers who supply cattle. Beef carcases are classified or graded in accordance with EU Regulations using the EUROP scale for conformation and a scale of 1 to 5 to indicate fat cover. This classification or grading result is used by the industry to determine the price paid to farmers. My Department compiles weekly price reports based on weighted averaging of prices across all relevant sectors.
Furthermore, I understand that the payment system (grid) makes use of sub-classes to determine the price paid, with the aim of rewarding farmers for producing the better quality and higher value carcasses.
The Deputy refers to the dissection studies carried out by Teagasc which contributed to the development of the price grid. I understand that this structure was based on detailed discussions between the farming organisations and Meat Industry Ireland.
