Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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93. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied at the level of competition in the lamb processing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2415/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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There are currently 10 sheepmeat plants approved by my Department and these are owned by 9 different groups and in various locations throughout the country. The 5 biggest plants accounted for 86% of the overall throughput of the DAFM-approved plants in 2015. The average factory price increased by 1.5% in 2015 which would indicate that there is sufficient competition, as there was no significant change in the number of animals slaughtered in 2015. The State, through the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, has an existing and well established infrastructure for oversight of competition matters and for dealing with allegations of anti-competitive practices or abuse of a dominant position.