Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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472. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has commenced the introduction of the appeal system for carcass classification in manual grading factories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43459/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Following recent discussions between stakeholders and the beef industry on foot of farmer protests, my Department introduced an appeal system for carcass classification in manual grading factories. This appeal procedure was implemented from October 7th, 2019. In summary, if a supplier wishes to have a carcase classification appealed to my Department, the factory must firstly have the carcase reclassified by a second licensed factory grader. Following this reclassification by a second classifier, if the supplier still wishes that my Department adjudicate on the classification, he/she will inform the factory management who will make contact with the Department and make arrangements to facilitate a reclassification by a Department officer.

This system will be subject to review after 6 months in operation.