Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am somewhat perplexed about the proposed trade in beef between the United States and Ireland. I accept that there are defensive and offensive interests, but it is difficult to understand how there can be equivalence when the vast majority of United States beef is produced under a different method, much of it hormone-driven, while we have rigorous standards, hormone-free production, rigorous trade accessibility procedures and focused quality initiatives. If beef is to be imported on an equivalent basis, will we be allowed to accentuate the country of origin so that consumers will be in a position to discriminate, as the French do? We are a little squeamish when it comes to ensuring that our interests are protected. I have grave concerns about that. Mr. Moran correctly indicated that it is a niche market. While we obviously want to sell a lot of our beef, we will need to be careful about what is imported.

The US Secretary of Agriculture, who was leaning across a gate when being interviewed by RTE, was asked about genetically modified foods, and, of course, he wants a significant relaxation of standards in that regard. The European Commission has a different view - or, certainly, member states have. How can that be reconciled? If he goes down that line, is that another area that will represent a trade barrier from our perspective? We should not sacrifice all merely to rush in. I would have grave doubts about such a course of action.

With regard to the current situation in beef, when the Department, in conjunction with Bord Bia and others, secures a market it is a job well done, but one can buy gold too dear. I would be worried about what might happen in beef. I come from a significant beef-producing area and I know how farmers are suffering at the moment.

I must agree with Mr. Moran that while we all can trot out glib solutions, a lot of this is market-determined. We must face up to that. Mr. Moran is correct. The relaying of information and the nod-and-wink practice has to stop. Clear, unequivocal information must be given to beef producers well ahead of time. What happens in the beef sector does not happen in other sectors, particularly the milk sector. I hope this round-table conference achieves a crystallisation of views and ideas that will address a situation that is occurring for many beef farmers across the country. How will the matter be reconciled? How will they square that circle? We have a particular view on genetically modified crops, under which Ministers have operated over the years. How will that feed into the matter? Was the US Secretary of Agriculture using that as a bargaining tool? What interpretation did Mr. Moran put on the US Secretary of Agriculture's view on genetically modified crops? Was he using it as a hard bargaining tool?

I have one other question. The Canadian agreement has now been finalised. What benefits will accrue to Ireland from that agreement? Will it be worthwhile, or has Mr. Moran given any thought to that? What benefits might emerge from it?