Mr. Michael Dowling:

Teagasc was asked to do a technical examination of the grid. It examined it in the light of price movements since the original grid was introduced. The conclusion was the difference between the different categories on the grid had not changed sufficiently to justify adjusting the grid and that the grid should continue as it stands. Teagasc has looked at, from a technical point of view, whether a different type of comparison could be made, in respect of looking at carcases from the point of view of cuts.

Teagasc has outlined how that might operate and asked the farm organisations to reflect on it and revert to it on whether they would like to pursue a fundamentally different type of grid. My understanding is that consultation is ongoing and nothing significant has yet come back from the organisations.