Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
736. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps being taken to address the structural supply shock in the beef sector, including the reported 18.7% decline in first quarter 2026 cattle throughput compared to 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45263/26]
View answer737. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the impact of lagged live exports and nitrates derogation constraints on national cattle availability in 2026; the measures planned to stabilise supply for Irish processors and farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45264/26]
View answer739. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the projected cattle kill levels for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027, in light of the structural changes in the national herd and dairy sector outlined by an organisation (details supplied) at the Joint Committee meeting of 27 May 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45266/26]
View answer744. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his assessment of the long-term sustainability of the Irish beef processing sector in the context of ongoing nitrates constraints, live export trends, and supply contraction; the policy measures he will introduce to support both processors and primary producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45271/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 736, 737, 739 and 744 together.
The latest data published by my Department shows that aggregate cattle throughput for the year to date has declined by 10% from the elevated levels recorded in the corresponding period in 2025. However, recent analysis suggests that domestic cattle availability will likely recover in the second half of the year and that the total kill for the year will be similar to last year’s slaughter level. ICBF live calf registration data indicates a stabilisation of the national herd inventory with a 1.6% increase in total calf registrations and a 2.8% increase in beef births recorded to date this year.
Lower beef production is a feature of the UK and EU beef markets. In its outlook to 2035, the Commission projected that EU production is set to continue contracting and UK trends point to lower beef production in the medium term.
Live cattle exports averaged 351,000 head annually over the last three years with typically 70% of these animals exported by the time that they are one year old. However, there is no evidence to suggest that nitrate stocking limits had a greater impact on current cattle availability than other general economic factors affecting production decisions on individual farm enterprises.
While market dynamics influence beef production nationally and globally, I will continue to engage regularly with all supply chain actors to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. This engagement will be informed by the Teagasc mid-year review and outlook due to be published next month. My Department is also currently consulting with sectoral stakeholders as part of a comprehensive review of the Food Vision 2030 strategy.
Bord Bia, in conjunction with the meat industry, is examining consumer demand for all beef cuts in the domestic and export markets and will consider how best to reinforce the competitive position of Irish beef through targeted marketing and promotion activities and campaigns.
Finally, I have ensured targeted supports for the sector with the continuation this year of two-exchequer-funded schemes that are attractive and beneficial to beef farmers, alongside continued supports through CAP Strategic Plan schemes.
