142. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked 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]

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.