Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have two questions, if I may. I thank Mr. O’Toole for that. That is important. It would be helpful for the committee if there was a briefing note on some of the trade missions and promotional work to expand the market.

I turn to two other issues before I wind down. I am not asking Mr. O’Toole to do it now, but perhaps he could provide the committee with the briefing note on the Origin Green power to partnership, which is Bord Bia’s three-year strategy from 2022 to 2025. It is exciting, innovative and has great potential. I am sure there will be a further strategy once this one is assessed. Perhaps Mr. O’Toole might write to the committee setting out the strategy behind the strategy, the plans and how Bord Bia is monitoring that strategy. It is important and something we would be interested in. That is all I am asking there.

Finally, in my opening statement, I mentioned the issue of the reputation and integrity of the Bord Bia brand, its quality mark and how Bord Bia administers and manages that. Mr. O’Toole will be aware of the issue around the crisps company that traded potatoes that were imported from France that had Bord Bia’s brand for quite a considerable period of time on the shelves. There was to be an investigation. When there are serious breaches such as that, it has an impact on the brand. It has an impact on Bord Bia because people buy Bord Bia products and look for the Bord Bia brand. There are people in the business who ask “What is Bord Bia doing for me?” I personally like to source Bord Bia products. I think it is a strong brand. The brand is only as good as its integrity and how Bord Bia stands over and defends it. Clearly, we had an issue and it was a while before it came to Bord Bia’s attention. What is the state of play of Bord Bia's investigation? What is it doing or has it done about it? What sanctions has it applied in relation to this particular case?