Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. The beef sector is hugely important to the economy. We have acknowledged that, and most of our time over the past number of months has been spent trying to solve problems and deal with the issues in the sector.

Last year, beef exports accounted for just under €2.1 billion, reflecting a 5% increase in output and a 4% increase in average prices. This growth resulted from concerted action by the Government, industry and producers to develop our product offering. Primary producers are under significant pressure this year as a result of reductions in price, but a significant infrastructure has been put in place to help improve on-farm profitability. The medium-term prospects for the beef market are reasonably positive, with increasing global population and demand for animal proteins.

In collaboration with Bord Bia and Irish embassy personnel, my Department engages with a wide range of countries on market access issues. In this context, the Minister has led trade missions to Japan, China, the US, Algeria and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC, in the Middle East to promote Irish food, including beef. This work has led to a number of notable successes in securing market access in Japan, Singapore, Egypt and Iran. This year we have agreed access terms with the Lebanon, the Philippines and Namibia. Furthermore, my Department is working with the meat industry to finalise the various technical requirements for trade in Irish beef with the US. We are optimistic about the opportunities this market will bring. China is another market where there is considerable potential for Irish beef. The Minister intends to lead a trade mission to China towards the end of the year and beef will be firmly on the agenda.

Irish beef is listed with more than 75 high-end retail chains across EU markets. This wide portfolio of customers reflects the success of Bord Bia's differentiation and premiumisation strategy. This strategy focuses on the key attributes of Irish beef: environmentally sustainable, grass-based production systems; full traceability; quality assurance at all stages; and superior eating quality. Among Bord Bia's key initiatives this year is the continued development, promotion and marketing of its Origin Green initiative. This is designed to establish Ireland as a world leader in sustainably produced food and drink.

The Government is also investing heavily in the future at production level. Earlier this year, we announced details of an investment package worth up to €40 million aimed at sustaining a critical mass in the suckler cow herd, which is at the heart of our beef industry.

The package includes the beef genomic scheme, the beef data programme, the beef technology adoption programme and the suckler cow welfare scheme. The suckler cow herd is also a key component of our longer term strategic plans as set out in the €4 billion draft rural development programme. This is in addition to the €1.2 billion in annual single farm payments to Irish farmers which was negotiated as part of the revised Common Agricultural Policy. The integrity of the beef industry is of the utmost importance to the economy and Ireland's worldwide reputation as a food producing country. Every step is taken to promote the industry which is achieved by ensuring the highest standards are applied and maintained in the production of Irish food.

Because the Deputy has made a very strong case it is essential that I give him a response. When animals are presented for slaughter at meat plants, an ante-mortem examination is carried out prior to slaughter and a post-mortem examination after slaughter to determine the suitability of the meat for entry into the food chain. This level of examination fulfils the obligation of the hygiene package as laid down by the European Union. While I do not wish to discuss the specifics of the individual case to which the Deputy referred, I categorically assure the House that the required checks were carried out before the release of any carcass into the food chain. The question of disciplinary action in this matter does not arise.

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