Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will introduce a table of sheep prices similar to that produced for beef; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37475/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Sheep Strategy Implementation group recommended an agreed price reporting system for sheep to give full information to producers on prices achieved in different plants on a quality graded basis. This is however contingent on the implementation of an agreed pricing grid which is an important element in building producer confidence in the production of better quality animals. This is currently under discussion by producer and processor representatives.

I would hope that a transparent grid for pricing can be agreed between the processors and suppliers in the near future. At that stage, I would consider publishing detailed price information with the agreement of producers and meat plants. Such a development would ultimately help suppliers to tailor their supply to the requirements of the marketplace and increase the returns available for better quality product.