Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

It is an interesting perspective on the matter. I would not be in a position to disagree with the Deputy in this respect. I am dealing with a similar problem in relation to fish. I am sure this difficulty is being encountered throughout the EU, across the various product headings. Like all Members of the House, I am acutely aware of the high standards that are required within the Irish market for the production of our beef and lamb. Funding in this area continues to be forthcoming from the Department. We are proud of the role Irish beef plays. As an aside, when we were eating in Brussels on Monday night, Irish steak - entrecôte irlandaise - was on the menu. It is important that the high quality of our product is recognised throughout the world. Perhaps it should be explored to a larger degree at European level. I would be supportive of any initiative in relation to that.

See this speech in context