Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Ombudsman for Europe, Ms Emily O'Reilly, and Mr. Aidan O'Sullivan and congratulate her genuinely on her success in securing the position. It was a tremendous achievement. I was in Brussels when Ms O'Reilly was lobbying to be elected to one of the few really elected democratic appointments in Europe. Commissioners are appointed by Governments although MEPs are elected. From the point of view of the prestigious position Ms O'Reilly has, it was a marvellous achievement and came on the back of tremendous work as Ombudsman in Ireland. She had a great record and we miss her presence here. We are delighted that she went to another field in which she can show her merit.

I have no question that what she is doing is commendable. She is taking an interest without being pushed to do it. She sees the need to get involved in this particular transatlantic agreement. I am delighted that she is aware of the questioning here with the Commissioner. She will be very aware of the interest here, which primarily relates to agriculture and the beef trade. That is what it boils down to. We want to ensure that there is a level playing pitch. We hope the Ombudsman can ensure that when an agreement is reached, the highest standards are adhered to and that there will be fairness in relation to hormones in beef in America and the whole question of genetically modified foods. The last day we were here the Commissioner said there was agreement with Canada. I had not been aware of the details of that agreement and I am not sure how much detail was given in relation to the Canadian-EU agreement, but the point was made here that there was two-tier export from Canada. One tier relates to non-treated or hormonal cattle and the other ones are excluded. I asked what kind of supervision we had in relation to ensuring that what is exported from Canada complies with the requirements of the European Union. The Ombudsman knows the standards that are there. I come from an organic farm background. My wife and son are involved in farming and I know how many inspections take place. From an organic point of view, everything is inspected on a regular basis. One cannot spread nitrogen on the land and has drug restrictions. That is all great, but we cannot compete with the big ranchers in the USA who can produce beef more cheaply.

That is a fundamental aspect of the whole agreement and I am delighted the Ombudsman is there to keep an eye on ensuring things are done openly and transparently. It is very useful from the point of view of Ireland, the Government and the committees of the Houses. I have great confidence in the Ombudsman's ability and strength of character to ensure that the details come out in the best interests of each member state.