Written answers

Wednesday, 26 June 2024

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Beef Sector

Photo of Jackie CahillJackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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141. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of registered cattle dealers and agents in Ireland; the inspection regime for same including the frequency of inspections, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27362/24]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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There are 934 cattle dealers and agents in Ireland registered under S. I. 439 of 2020 European Communities (Approval and Registration of Dealers of Bovine Animals and Swine) (Amendment) Regulations 2010. In 2023, there were 132 inspections.

Photo of Jackie CahillJackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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142. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the beef prices paid to feedlots, factory owned cattle, organic cattle and cattle under contract are included in the Department’s weekly price reports; if not, the reason; if cattle sold under a flat price are included; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27366/24]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department receives slaughter data on a weekly basis for beef carcasses from 29 beef slaughter plants in Ireland, who are obliged to price report in compliance with EU Regulatory requirements. The data received from plants includes, inter alia, date of slaughter, category, (A, B, C, D, E, V or Z), Conformation, Fat score and Price/kg paid to the supplier. The weighted average prices are then reported by my Department on a weekly basis.

The prices paid by plants in respect of reactors, factory owned, organic, contract slaughter and condemned carcasses are excluded from the calculation of the weighted average weekly price report as inclusion of these cattle could distort the average prices paid for the typical commercial kill or, in the case of contract slaughter, there is no price available.

Other than the above-mentioned exclusions, all other cattle, including private feedlots and cattle sold under a flat price, are included in the calculation of the weekly price report by my Department.

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