Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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161. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there was legislation put in place to govern for the 16 month rule and 30 month rule on the QPS system; if they can be removed or altered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9874/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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A Quality Payment System (QPS) introducing differentiated payments in respect of certain grades of cattle at slaughter plants was introduced in 2009 by agreement between Meat Industry Ireland (MII) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).

My understanding is that any additional bonus payments and the conditions attached to qualification for such bonus payments are determined by processors and their retail customers. Such conditions may include age limits. These are commercial arrangements and my Department has no role in their establishment.