95 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when he proposes to introduce automated beef classification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22450/03]

Within the framework of EU Regulation 1215/2003 allowing for the introduction of mechanical classification, my Department has arranged for the trial testing of mechanical grading machines from Australia, Germany and Denmark. Testing of the machines in industry conditions will take place next month. An international panel of EU approved experts will conduct the trials, and once deemed successful, some or all of the machines will be approved for use in Ireland. It will then be a matter for the industry to make the necessary arrangements for the acquisition of the machines.

It is my intention to have the necessary arrangements in place to allow automated beef classification to take place from 1 January 2004.