Agriculture Committee to examine issues in Irish mushroom industry & reappointment of Horse Racing Ireland CEO

26th September 2016

The agenda for the meeting is as follows:

Session A: Issues presented by Brexit - Mushroom Industry [Representatives from Commercial Mushroom Producers Co-op Society Ltd, Irish Farmers’ Association and Codd Mushrooms Ltd]

Session B: Mid-year Review of 2016 Estimates for Public Services - Vote 30 (Agriculture, Food and the Marine) [Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine]

Session C: Issues surrounding reappointment of the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland [Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine]
Committee Chair, Pat Deering TD, said: “The Irish mushroom industry is a vital and highly skilled part of our horticultural sector. It is reliant on exports to the UK, with around 75% of output being exported to that market. As a result of the UK referendum on membership of the EU, the value of Sterling has fallen from significantly. This drop in the value of Sterling against the euro has presented a serious problem for the mushroom industry in Ireland. Due to the reliance of this mushroom sector on exports, and due to the low profit margins on sales of mushrooms, the sector is now experiencing very significant problems as profits plunge due to the exchange rate.”

“In the second session of our meeting, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine will engage with the Committee in our Mid-Year Review of the 2016 Estimates for his Department.”

“In the final part of the meeting, Minister Creed will brief the Committee on issues surrounding the reappointment of Brian Kavanagh as Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). Tomorrow we will question the Minister on the circumstances surrounding the reappointment and we look forward to a full and frank discussion.”

Committee proceedings can be viewed live here.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.

ENDS/