473. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason farmers are disqualified for quality payments if the cattle exceed 30 months by even a day or a week in view of the fact that the product on the shelf continues to contain the quality assurance logo. [7956/19]

My understanding is that any additional bonus payments and the conditions attached to qualification for such bonus payments are determined by processors and their customers. Such conditions can include that cattle must be under 30 months at the age of slaughter.

This is a private arrangement and my Department has no role in its design.