Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I wish to ask the Minister questions on three aspects of this. Does the Minister agree the price of Irish beef has been adversely affected by the flood, in comparative terms to other beef imports, of imports from Brazil? The IFA estimates the impact was a price reduction of the order of €130 per head in June, July, August and September. Since the partial ban was imposed in early October, prices recovered by approximately €60 or €70 per head. Does the Minister agree with that estimation?

Closer to the heart of what we are dealing with is traceability. I heard the Minister state that Irish farmers are expected to comply with the highest of standards and Irish farmers agree with and support that. Is there any impediment to ensuring traceability in the catering sector to the same extent as the retail sector, so people in the catering sector are forced to declare they are selling Brazilian beef? Why is that not done? It seems it needs to be done.

Champions of free trade such as the US and Japan have a total ban on Brazilian beef. From a health point of view, should we have a total ban while there is foot and mouth disease in Brazil?

See this speech in context