John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I fully support the Fine Gael motion. The agricultural sector is under pressure from all sides. Farmers are getting lower prices for their products while paying increased prices for feed products. All that the agricultural industry seeks is a level playing field. Farmers in Ireland are regulated to the highest degree but must compete in the marketplace with food products from other countries with entirely different standards. Legislation must be introduced to provide a comprehensive labelling system. What is being demanded is not rocket science. We have talked about it for long enough.

Consumers are entitled to be confident that they are supporting Irish farmers. The only way this can be achieved is through a comprehensive labelling system that accurately indicates the origin of the products they wish to purchase.

See this speech in context