Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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307. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the beef sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1103/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Beef Roundtable is not a vehicle for collectively determining market prices, and indeed this would be contrary to competition law. Questions of price are ultimately matters to be determined between individual purchasers and the sellers of cattle. Nevertheless, I am pleased to note that beef prices have improved considerably in recent weeks. Prices for R3 steers in Ireland have risen on average by 36 cents per kilo since the beginning of September. This is an increase of over 10% during this period and beef prices are now ahead of the price received this time last year. Furthermore, Irish prices are at 10 3% of the EU average price. As regards the coming year, the forecast is for some slight improvement in Irish cattle prices in 2015 as a result of tighter Irish cattle supplies and a shift in the UK beef supply and use balance. Irish calf and weanling prices should also increase in line with the movement in beef prices.

As the Deputy notes, there was agreement between stakeholders on a range of outcomes at the most recent meeting of the Beef Roundtable in November. This agreement addresses a range of the issues raised by farmers in recent months, including as regards bull beef and quality assurance. The roundtable has committed to monitoring the implementation of the agreement reached and I will continue to impress on all stakeholders their obligations in this regard.