Who to blame for expensive meat

THE price of cattle in Ireland has changed very little over the past 20 years. The cost of feeding an animal over the winter months, including veterinary charges, would just about match the sale price.

So why has the price of meat gone to a level that makes Ireland one of the most expensive countries in Europe?

I think we can blame EU regulations covering the butchering of animals and the storing of meat. These have resulted in the closure of hundreds of butcher shops.