Kelly seeks beef market probe over possible breach of competition rules

Sean Kelly has called upon the European Parliament to investigate the Irish-UK beef market for a possible breach of EU competition rules.

The Ireland South MEP told authorities in Strasbourg that Irish farmers are being discriminated against.

He said meat factories are manipulating the market by insisting Irish farmers fulfil strict criteria in order to qualify for what meat processors call a quality bonus payment of 12 cents per kg or an average bonus of €40 to €60 per animal for cattle that fulfil certain “quality” criteria.