Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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1231. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department examined, and if he has a view on, requiring meat processors to report wholesale prices and stocks twice daily across all beef cuts sold, as is the regime in the USA. [36691/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the price reporting in the USA referred to by the Deputy. However, I believe that the most effective and appropriate method to increase supply chain transparency is through a co-ordinated European wide basis. In late 2016 the EU Council, when agreeing conclusions on strengthening farmers’ position in the food supply chain and tackling unfair trading practices, noted the option of a regulatory approach at EU level. The Council called on the Commission to undertake an impact assessment with a view to the option of an EU legislative framework. I understand this assessment is to be published shortly.

A number of steps have been taken at national level to strengthen the position of the farmer in the food supply chain, including the recognition of Producer Organisations and the introduction of a scheme to assist members of Producer Organisations to engage facilitators to assist them in their establishment and effective functioning.

Another step in giving farmers more information in relation to the market place and assisting farmers’ bargaining powers has been the development of a Beef PriceWatch app by my Department. This app allows farmers to compare reported prices across a range of grades and factories to assist them in selling their cattle. With the introduction of the price watch app Ireland is now one of the most transparent countries in the EU. My Department also publishes data on slaughter and price on its website on a weekly basis.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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1232. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the recent beef round table forum regarding processor requirements around carcass weights with the 30 month age limit. [36692/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I noted comments made in relation to market specifications generally including those in relation to carcase weights and age limit, by stakeholders at the most recent beef roundtable held on the 12th of July.

However it should be noted that carcase specification requirements are a function of market demand. Any requirements in relation to such specifications laid down by the retail market reflected by processors in the procurement of cattle for slaughter are matters which I cannot interfere with.

Teagasc, with the help of the ICBF and Bord Bia undertook previously at the Beef Roundtable to produce a number of blueprints for  sustainable production of beef across a range of finishing enterprises and ages to assist producers in targeting the system of production most suitable for their enterprise. These blueprints which have been since published are an invaluable aid to all producers in finishing cattle in accordance with market specifications.