Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to comment passionately on how proud we are of our food safety standards, the Food Harvest 2020 strategy and everything to do with our food production. It is something positive to take away from this discussion because it is tough going. However, we were the ones to spot the problem.

Senator Paschal Mooney raised some interesting points. I implore the Minister to think futuristically about the price of food and consider engaging in dialogue with all of the multiples which have got into a bind.

Let us consider the produce in question. The number of burgers involved was eight and I happen to know the price in sterling - eight burgers for £1. I have attempted to work out the margin and estimate that Silvercrest was probably selling at 7p per burger or £1.38 per kilo. However, it is difficult to know, as I am unsure of the tonnage or per kilo price throughout Europe for beef trimmings. I realise the make-up of cheaper patties does not include the meat used in quarter pounders and so on.

I have discussed the issue with friends of mine involved in the meat industry who make ready meals. They have nothing to do with Silvercrest. They maintain that Asda is selling two portions of lasagne for £1, or 50p each. That must stop somewhere. We would all welcome dialogue with the multiples, which is necessary on behalf of the consumer. A price of £1.38 per kilo does not stack up.