Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I agree with the Deputy that it is a key issue. We have been asking the European Commission to accept our proposals. While we are working through that and insisting on a higher standard Europe-wide, we are succeeding in getting across that our overall health checks are exemplary and the fact that we had a total recall was evidence that we were not prepared to accept anything but the very best. There was no doubt whatsoever and no caveats in that regard. Unfortunately, that was required to ensure that we would not have any doubt.

There is still work to be done. The Minister, Deputy Smith, is working hard to ensure that our European partners accept that we need improvements in traceability.

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