Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
444. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will advise on sectoral representation on the board of the ICBF; if he will ensure there is representation of suckler beef farmers and marts on the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53681/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) is not a state board but a non-profit organisation and is the body approved in Ireland in accordance with the relevant EU legislation to conduct testing, genetic evaluation and publication of breeding values for dairy and beef cattle.
Shareholders in ICBF includes Farming Organisations, AI companies, Milk Recording Organisations and with three seats held by Herdbooks . It is a matter for those herdbooks (beef and dairy) to determine the representation between beef and dairy.
It is not within the remit of my Department as to how the board is made up, outside of appointing a Department of Agriculture representative.
