Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The motion today is similar in content to previous ones introduced by Fianna Fáil. I thank Deputies McConalogue and Cahill. The issue is being introduced again now, when the beef industry is in total turmoil. It should not have come to this. Government intervention was late coming. I acknowledge the recent work undertaken by the Minister, Deputy Creed, assisted by the Minister of State, Deputy Doyle. Late intervention has led to the demand for a more specific detailed document. That is why we still have beef producers at the factory gates. Without even referring to price, we see how the credibility of Bord Bia has been undermined and that is a real worry in itself. Deputy Penrose has often referred to the issue of supply and demand and whether the markets exist, yet Phil Hogan allows the Mercosur deal, which gives access to European markets for Brazilian beef, and gets rewarded with a promotion. Also, there is no mention of the effect of climate change in South America, while Government-sponsored agencies are advocating a reduced suckler cow beef regime in this island. It is the Government that is causing a divide in the farming community. We have a Tánaiste in the House who, not so long ago, as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, was telling the tillage farmers to get out of that business and go milking cows.

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