Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will follow my colleague's comments by addressing the need for a robust livestock export industry. Given the potential elimination of TLT International, which is based in my constituency and heretofore accounted for approximately 70% of our live export industry, this is a timely debate.

It is crucial for the farming sector that there be a competitive live export trade so that factories do not gain an overly dominant position in our island economy. Given the fact that the agrifood industry is worth more than €1 billion per annum, it is important that the Minister take a hands-on approach to the issue and work with the receiver to ensure the business survives and Mullingar continues to be a hub for the live export industry. As my colleague stated, in excess of 30 people who were directly employed by TLT International in Mullingar have been let go in recent days. Many more people are indirectly employed. There is considerable anxiety among the farming community and the marts. As was done in respect of the travel industry, we need to take steps to ensure that marts and farmers are not left out of pocket. It is imperative that the Government move quickly to work with the receiver so as to ensure that we resuscitate the business as a going concern in the broader live export trade, particularly its cattle links to the Italian market.

See this speech in context