Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Department and I engage extensively on an ongoing basis with all the key stakeholders in the beef sector. This may take place in stakeholder forums related to specific topics, for example, the draft 2030 Strategy, Brexit or CAP. Additionally, there are a number of sector specific forums through which my Department and I engage with specific sectors. Currently, the main specific engagement with the beef sector facilitated by the Department is the Beef Taskforce.

The Beef Taskforce was established on foot of the beef sector agreement of 15th September 2019. The Beef Taskforce's remit as set out in terms of reference was to monitor the implementation of the actions arising from that agreement. The Taskforce was to meet at least quarterly from October 2019 for a period of one year after which the Taskforce’s progress was to be reviewed. However, progress was delayed in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the Deputy may be aware, I have requested the independent Chair of the Beef Taskforce, Mr Michael Dowling, to provide a report to me on the progress to date of the Taskforce. It is my understanding that the majority of the actions are now implemented, but I await the final report, after which I will make the necessary decision on future strategic engagement with the sector.

All documents from the Beef Taskforce meetings, including minutes and updated progress reports, are published on the gov.ie website.

Effective strategic engagement across the beef sector is crucial to its development in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable way, that works for all actors in the supply chain.

The Deputy can be assured that I will continue to support constructive strategic engagement within the sector, as well as measures aimed at strengthening the supply chain, including support for Producer Organisations, and interventions aimed at supporting both economic and environmental efficiency for beef farmers in the future.