Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The agriculture and food industry in Ireland is probably the single biggest factor in the continuing recovery of the economy. It contributes €24 billion to the economy and is responsible for nearly 10% of Irish exports. Agriculture provides 7.7% of employment in Ireland and this figure increases to 10% when marketing and processing are included. In addition to its immense contribution to the national economy, agriculture has a broad regional spread and is the lifeblood of rural communities. Rural Ireland is home to what is becoming our most important industry, one that offers great potential.

Co-op marts are thriving and the live auction system allows a certain volume of stock to be sold and exported live, thereby providing farmers with a valuable force to counteract the dominant position of a small number of privately owned beef processing factories. However, the dominant position mentioned is compounded by the application and interpretation of questionable movement and labelling restrictions on mart auction livestock. These restrictions are implemented by processing factories and large UK retailers under the pretext of animal welfare and quality considerations but they have hampered live cattle exports from Ireland to the UK and stifled competition. There has been a negative impact on the price of such cattle at livestock marts.

Will the Ministers of State convey a very strong message to the Minister, Deputy Coveney, to urge him to do his utmost to address the ridiculous beef crisis and accelerate his endeavours to access new sustainable markets? Huge opportunities exist in the growing markets in China and India due to changes in lifestyle and more people choosing beef products. The live cattle export trade situation is exacerbated by the Russian ban.

The global demand for food is constantly growing and we have quality products to supply the market. Last weekend I saw the potential for quality food products in this country demonstrated at a huge food festival in Dingle. It was a great success with micro-producers who had a huge variety of indigenous produce. I am very sorry the Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, was not able to attend but perhaps he will do so next year. It is going from strength to strength. I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Ann Phelan, on her elevation.

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