Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I thank my colleague for sharing time to debate this vital issue for pig and poultry farmers in Cavan-Monaghan who are among the largest producers in the country. They are a dying breed and they are under severe pressure. They came under major pressure because of the nitrates directive and they were promised issues that arose would be addressed. However, that did not happen and the smaller producers were forced out of business. Those remaining in the industry are crying out for help to make sure clarification is provided on the right of producers to import feeds from wherever they can be obtained and to ensure they are not tied down by regulations that put them at a disadvantage to their competitors. Pig meat and poultry meat is being imported without labels and is being sold as Irish produce. There is no excuse for that. I have raised this issue on many occasions, as has the Cathaoirleach, and it is time action was taken. This is a job for the Government and not an individual Minister so that the livelihoods of producers and workers in this indigenous industry are preserved.

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