Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response. I note that she says the Minister is aware of the concerns I have raised. I am glad to hear that.

What the pig and poultry producers are looking for is support, not necessarily financial support, from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

I want to reinforce the lack of information that we have on imported poultry and pigmeat. As an example, we have no idea what percentage of meals provided in publicly funded places such as hospitals, prisons, Army barracks, Government Departments or, indeed, in this House are of Irish or imported origin. We need an assurance that the produce we eat is Irish.

The true potential of the poultry and pork industry is not being fully realised and in order for these two industries to play their part in meeting Harvest 2020 targets they need to be supported and given the same opportunities as the beef, lamb and dairy industries.

The poultry sector has requested assistance from the Minister in setting up a poultry council so that all stakeholders can work together for the benefit of the industry. I ask the minister to facilitate this.

The difficulties facing the pig and poultry industry are serious.

If this is not treated as an urgent matter, we are going to find ourselves in a serious situation where the future of these industries will be under threat, which will have a hugely negative impact, particularly on the Cavan-Monaghan area, which has a high percentage of pig and poultry farmers. I ask the Minister of State to convey that to the Minister.

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