Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The reality is that we need a market and a beef industry in this country in which people have confidence. The round table discussions, the reporting back by Mr. Michael Dowling and what he will put in place in the coming months will help the beef industry. I accept people must be sure because a lot of money is being invested. The Deputy made the point that the processors are buying the feed lots all over the country. The reason for that is that some farmers cannot finance it. It is very expensive to buy a lot of animals to fill a feed lot. It is an issue which needs to be addressed over a period of time and I certainly hope the round table discussions will deal with that.

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