Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the role played by him in the introduction of the beef price grid; if he was consulted on any aspect and if so which aspects and his response to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45185/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The quality payment system (QPS) was introduced in December 2009 following intensive negotiations between Meat Industry Ireland (MII) and the farmers' representatives (IFA) with the objective of rewarding farmers for producing superior carcases and enhancing the marketability of Irish beef. I had no involvement in those stakeholder discussions nor was I consulted on the elaboration of the QPS.

Nevertheless, I think that it is a desirable development for a number of reasons. The introduction of price differentials, to reward farmers for quality production, sends a strong signal to the supply chain on the need to produce to high standards in line with market requirements. It should also contribute to achieving an improvement in overall carcase specifications, providing more animals for the high-value EU markets that we are targeting as well as underpinning Bord Bia's marketing and promotion strategies in those markets. The onus is on the industry to ensure that the system operates in a fair and transparent manner so that it enjoys widespread acceptance among farmers who supply cattle to the meat plants.