EU court to rule on beef compensatory scheme

EUROPE’S top court will tomorrow begin a hearing on a case between the Competition Authority and beef producers over attempts to reduce overcapacity in the industry.

The EU Court of Justice in Luxembourg will decide if a scheme devised by beef processors to compensate firms to quit the sector runs contrary to EU competition laws.

The case was referred to the court by the Supreme Court in Ireland after the Competition Authority appealed a High Court ruling that rejected its challenge against the Beef Industry Development Society and beef processor, Barry Brothers (Carrigmore) Meats.