Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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91. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware that meat factories are using a new and different mechanical grading formula over the past few weeks, and that this is being used to assess, grade, and pay farmers for their cattle; if these changes were known to his Department; if his Department has made sure that these changes have not impacted negatively on farmers; his views that the farmers should have been informed of these changes; the steps he will take to protect farmers interests in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35073/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department, in accordance with the recommendations of the Beef Activation Group, carried out a re-calibration trial on the mechanical beef grading system in 2013/14. This trial was conducted strictly in accordance with EU rules and was overseen by the Department with a panel of international experts. In addition, Teagasc acted as an independent body designated by the Department to analyse the results of the certification test. The trial resulted in the generation of a new set of equations approved by the EU Commission, based on a large sample size and based on the current bovine population. Testing of the installation of these new equations, which were approved by the EU Commission, is currently underway at a number of factories across the country under the close supervision of authorised classification officers of my Department. This testing is purely a technical exercise to ensure that the mechanical grading system continues to perform to the highest standard. It is intended that such testing will be conducted in each establishment operating classification using automated grading techniques with a view to the rolling out of the system across the country at some future point.

Regarding the protection of farmer’s interests in this matter, this testing is carried out under the close supervision of authorised classification officers of my Department ensuring that no financial detriment occurs to any farmer during the testing process. In addition, the EU Commission lays down rules for the monitoring of establishments operating classification using automated grading techniques which my Department strictly adheres to.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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92. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is opposed to meat factories imposing unviable carcass weight limits on beef farmers, which could damage our beef industry, particularly the suckler herd; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35074/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The November 2014 Beef Round table discussions resulted in a comprehensive agreed package of measures to further develop the beef sector and included commitments for all parties including processors, farm organisations, my Department and various state agencies. As part of that package, agreement was reached between MII and farming organisations that processors would not impose any price penalties on animals based on weight up to 31st December 2015, but equally that farmers presenting heavier stock would provide adequate notice to processing plants. While specifications of this nature are ultimately determined by market requirements, I would expect all of the participants at the Beef Round table to adhere to the agreement reached on weights.