Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 6 October 2020

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Impact of Covid-19 on the Agriculture Sector and Priorities for CAP and Brexit: Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Chairman spoke about the progeny of the dairy herd and it is something we must address. There must be consideration given in breeding to all aspects of what is being produced and ensuring it is not just about the milk side of things. Beef potential must also be considered. It is certainly something I know the Chairman has raised with the committee before and whenever I engage with Teagasc and the dairy sector as well, I will be making it very clear that we must look at the system in the round. Bull calves are being bred on dairy farms but they do not produce much milk, so it is essential they can produce beef. It is really important for this to be taken into consideration.

The targeted agricultural modernisation schemes are currently under consideration and I take on board the comments about their importance. This is a really important scheme and it will have an important role in future. I am engaging on the possibility of its continuation in the Estimates process for the budget.

Senator Lombard spoke about an RTÉ programme. The Department does not have any role in what is broadcast by the national public service broadcaster. The Senator mentioned the need for debate and he is certainly doing his part in raising the matter here. It is essential that all commentary is balanced. The national broadcaster might take account of the approach being taken by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the production of sustainable and healthy food. It may also take account of the European objective of ensuring that food is produced in an environmentally sensitive way. The broadcaster must also emphasise to people the importance of eating a balanced diet and the role of meat, dairy and vegetables, among all produce, in that regard. Anything other than that would not be balanced and it should be called out as such.

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