Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I asked the Minister two specific questions, the first of which related to steak cuts. Representatives of the IFA are in the Gallery tonight. The IFA and other farming organisations are exceptionally concerned about this proposal, as are farmers across the country. I asked the Minister specifically about steak cuts. Commissioner Hogan said during the week that there will be steak cuts. The Minister is trying to fudge the issue by giving the impression that this is about the whole carcass weight. Commissioner Hogan said there will be steak cuts. I asked the Minister when the new rate will apply to the 47,000-tonne Hilton quota, but again I did not get an answer from him. He said it is up for negotiation, it is not quite clear and it will depend on when it actually happens. We are getting mixed messages from the Government about how the process will be agreed. Unfortunately, it is all at sea on this issue. The approach being taken by the Minister, Deputy Creed, is different from the approach being taken by the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, and indeed the Taoiseach.

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