Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) produces annual data on Irish meat production, including beef, and presents these as its Meat Supply Balance figures. The volume data for this series is calculated as carcase weight equivalent and thus is not directly comparable to the CSO's published trade data which is quantified in metric tonnes. Beef production data for the period 2018 to 2021 can be accessed at the following link: www.cso.ie/en/statistics/agriculture/meatsupplybalance/

It is important to clarify that there is no legal definition of a feedlot herd. My Department defines certain herds as Controlled Finishing Units (CFUs) in the context of the Bovine TB Eradication Programme. This definition is unique to that programme – it does not necessarily mirror the use of the term ‘feedlot’ by the public and/or other institutions. CFUs are not separately identified in the beef production data.

With regard to the trade statistics requested by the Deputy, I have appended the most recently released data from the CSO for the relevant time period. The export and import figures provided by the CSO show raw beef volume categorised by month and by the main origin and destination markets. There is, however, no available information on the type of animal from which the consigned meat was derived.

It should be noted that there has been a slight change to the methodology used to compile the data which is reflected from 2021 onwards in the attached. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the data contained within, in view of the volume of statistical data collected as part of agri-food trade statistics, some errors in respect of individual products may occur. Where these anomalies are identified, my Department will liaise with the CSO to highlight and amend the information as required.

The position regarding beef plants outside Ireland, approved by Bord Bia for participation in the Meat Processor Quality Assurance Standard, is as follows. During the food processor audit, Bord Bia ensures that the traceability systems in place are capable of identifying the quality-assured status of the product and is documented at all stages. The audit involves conducting a reconciliation that demonstrates that non-Quality Assured product was prevented from being incorporated into products sold as Quality Assured and that product labelled as quality assured is correctly labelled.

CSO trade statistics do not provide data on whether or not imports and exports are quality assured.