Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure him that those proposals would have destroyed the agriculture industry here.

Deputy Ó Cuív has tried unsuccessfully to use cynically the fact that the Minister, Deputy Coveney, is away this week for his own political gain or for his party's political gain. In reality, Deputy Ó Cuív knows well that the Minister is in the USA negotiating access for the beef market there which has not been open in years. He is meeting retailers to develop Ireland's presence there. The Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, discussed access to the Chinese market during a high-level visit last week. Markets in Lebanon, Japan, Singapore, Egypt and Iran have also been opened.

The Government fully recognises that beef farmers have experienced challenging times in recent months. We are taking action, where possible, to support the industry through a difficult period. We will drive on with that commitment and continue to prioritise the Irish agrifood industry as we have done since we took up office in 2011.

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