Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

My question is whether that inspection is happening. The same standards are not being applied to meat that is imported here.

The issue of the country of origin is at the core of this debate. Current regulations stipulate that if a beef product is derived from animals born, raised and slaughtered in the country in which it is being sold, the identification on the label may indicate that the country of origin is that country. If the beef is derived from animals from different countries, the label must indicate country or countries of birth, fattening and slaughter. An example might be an indication that a piece of beef came from an animal that was born and reared in France and slaughtered in Ireland. However, these regulations are simply not being upheld.

The Minister makes frequent reference to the Féile Bia scheme when addressing groups in this country and elsewhere on this issue. This was an excellent concept. However, in very few of those restaurants branded and accredited by Féile Bia does the menu declare the origin of the beef or lamb. This is because most of it comes from Brazil.

See this speech in context