Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This has become a pan-European problem. The matter was first brought to light by the quality and extent of tests carried out in Ireland. People had assumed that this was just an Irish issue but that is not the case. It is, in fact, a very complex matter. That is why the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has, under our Presidency of the EU, convened a meeting of the Ministers of all the countries involved in Brussels today. As Deputy Martin Ferris is well aware, we cannot afford to have any cowboys operating in this industry. We must ensure that the necessary practices are tightened up and that relevant regulations will be put in place in order to ensure that the food produced is consumer-safe in nature and that the very highest standards of professionalism and competency are met. In light of the number of countries now involved, I understand that this is an extremely complex matter. We will continue to work hard in respect of this matter and if legislation needs to be introduced, then it will be brought forward.

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