In an effort to restore consumer confidence in beef the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Mr Joe Walsh, today announced that all cattle over 30 months of age destined for human consumption will be tested for BSE.
The new measures were introduced to allay consumer fears over the safety of beef caused by BSE-related incidents.
Under the Cattle Testing or Purchase for Destruction Scheme, effective from January 8, animals over 30 months of age, which have not undergone a BSE test, may be offered for destruction by any producer at any one of 18 participating beef slaughter plants which have met the Department's control conditions for the scheme.
In order to ensure the effective operation of the scheme the government will pay an additional 5 per cent on the basic prices for steers and heifers. This will mean in effect that the price for R3 grade animals will be at 91p per lb.
Minister Walsh said that while the test or destruct arrangements now in place represent an immediate response to the situation, it was essential to maintain a strong focus on the effective marketing of Irish beef in the high volume export markets.
To this end, he has asked An Bord Bia to present a specially designed promotional plan for Irish beef aimed at regaining lost markets.