Beef Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 November 2019

Wednesday, 6 November 2019

Questions (161, 162)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

161. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the stage at which his attention was drawn to the fact that a company (details supplied) was not under the remit of an organisation and would not be affected by agreements reached following negotiations; if his attention was drawn to the fact before or after the agreement was reached between stakeholders in the beef industry on 15 September 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45647/19]

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

162. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention was drawn to the fact that a company (details supplied) was not linked to an organisation prior to the agreement being reached on 15 September 2019; if so, the reason he did not notify farm organisation representatives at the talks that the injunctions held over farmers by the company would not be lifted as a result of a deal struck with the organisation before the negotiations ended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45648/19]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.

The parties to the agreement were Meat Industry Ireland and the farm bodies represented at the talks.

Meat Industry Ireland (MII) have confirmed that the company named is not a member of MII, and that this company does not buy or process cattle.

The independent chair of the Beef Taskforce is currently working with all stakeholders to progress the commitments in the agreement of 15th September.

As I have previously stated, it is in the interest of all involved in the beef sector that the work of the Taskforce be allowed to progress.