Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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16. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to address the specification variations operated by beef processors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42983/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In response to recent developments in the beef sector , I have been engaging with both processors and producers, t hrough the Beef Roundtable process and in bilateral discussions, to address a range of strategic issues impacting on the sector. This has led to a number of notable outcomes, including a public consultation and the development of Producer Organisations to rebalance the relationship along the supply chain, and the increased beef price transparency through the development of the Departments “beef price-watch” app. I have also introduced a range of supports in the recent budget as part of a total package of approximately €74 million for the beef sector in 2015, including a provision of €52 million for a proposed Beef Data and Genomics Programme which will place Ireland at the leading edge globally in the use of genomics in beef production. The question of market specifications is a matter for the seller and purchasers of beef. It is vital that farmers receive clear, consistent and appropriate signals through the specifications applied at factory level and I have been working with all sides to ensure this is the case. I also invited Tesco and McDonalds, the biggest buyers of Irish beef, both by volume and value, to the last Roundtable to provide a buyers perspective on market specifications and requirements.

These matters can ultimately only be resolved through dialogue between both processors and producers. That is why, following the last beef roundtable discussions , I requested that Meat Industry Ireland and the various farming organisations commit to two weeks of intensive negotiations on the issues currently effecting the sector, most notably the specification requirements placed on beef animals at time of slaughter. All sides gave a commitment to enter these talks with an earnest resolve to bring about some positive resolutions to the current impasse. These talks are being chaired by Mr. Michael Dowling, former Secretary General in my Department and I have reconvened a meeting of the Beef Roundtable for later today where we will receive Michael’s report on his meetings.