Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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431. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason beef grading machines only grade one side of the carcase if it is technically possible for mechanical grading machines to grade both sides of a carcase; if the current machines on trial can grade both sides of a carcase; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the fat score on a carcase can vary dramatically on both sides of a carcase resulting in a dramatically different payment to the farmer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17356/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The authorisation of a mechanical classification system is governed by EU legislation (COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) 2017/1182). The existing system of mechanical classification in Ireland was approved in 2002/03. This mechanical classification system was authorised to grade only one side of the carcase. While it is technically possible to grade both sides of a carcase, in the development of the existing system prior to 2002/2003, the German manufacturer, in consultation with the German Meat Research Institute, found that the difference between grading two sides versus one side was statistically insignificant.

It is accepted practice across Europe where mechanical classification systems are used that only one side of the carcase is graded.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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432. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated first and full-year cost of a proposal (details supplied). [17363/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Following discussions about price transparency at the initial meeting of the Beef Roundtable, a commitment was given to develop a 'Beef Pricewatch' online tool to improve price transparency, the 'Beef Pricewatch' app was subsequently launched in October 2014. This app makes the following information available to farmers free of charge and in a very accessible manner: the average price at national and individual factory level for Steers, Heifers, Cows, and Young and Old Bulls.

It presents beef producers with a comparison for a representative group of animals in each category, such as the average R3 price for Steers and Heifers, and the average U3 price for Young Bulls. Behind these representative prices, the user is one click away from detailed information, at factory level, for prices across the entire 15 x 15 beef carcass classification grid. The App is updated on a weekly basis.

While there would be a small on-going staff cost in relation to inputting of the weekly prices, in terms of the cost associated with the running of this application by my Department, I can confirm that it is very minimal amount and would approximately be in the range of €300 to €700 per annum.

A costing exercise has not been carried out in the Department in relation to a price reporting system where processors report wholesale prices daily across all beef cuts sold.