Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I agree this is a matter that needs to be dealt with without delay. I thank the four organisations for their collective contributions today which have raised several serious concerns such as the barriers to the free trade in beef and data protection, as well as the use of data to control the beef market. Transparency is a word we hear in politics all the time. It is about time we had a little transparency in the way this market is managed. There seem to be certain individuals who are dominant players in processing and rendering areas which has a significant effect on smaller abattoirs in the UK which would be otherwise happy to process Irish-sourced beef.

The beef sector was criticised for exporting the highest quality cattle on the hoof to Italy, a country which demands the highest quality. If that animal had been left in Ireland, what would be the price difference? It must be remembered, however, that this country cannot survive without a buoyant live export trade.

We will now hear from the meat industry. This committee has the opportunity to expose problems in the sector and air public grievances. It can point the finger at those sitting behind screens anonymously and demand they participate in these discussions. I believe we need some convention or a forum on this matter, a point raised by Deputy Ó Cuív. This would allow us to get answers to the immediate questions but, as Deputy Deering said, we need to get a long-term solution. Anyone who is going to invest in an enterprise wants to know they will make money out of it.

It is not a sin. One has to try to make money and one needs a margin so people can live. If we have a genomic scheme that is €80 per calf and somebody else claims a piece of that, it is not much good for the primary intention of that scheme, which is to improve the quality and efficiency of inside-the-farm-gate production. I note that there is something in the presentation to follow about the potential for improvements inside the farm gate, which is true, but what is the point in doing it if somebody else is going to take the benefits?

I will suspend the meeting to allow the witnesses to withdraw. I call on Deputy Deering to deputise for me for half an hour. I wish him well. I thank the members of all four organisations.