Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is clear that live exports have improved in the last number of weeks, which has to do with cost. Perhaps that is a big part of what the IFA has been involved in over the last number of weeks regarding pickets and so forth. It bears testament to how right is the IFA's argument on what one gets for beef in the so-called "UK" or in the North compared to what one gets down here.

My recollection is that because there was such a collective effort and everyone was on the same wavelength on a resolution of this issue, an unnecessary intervention by the CEO of Dawn Meats put a spanner in the works. My understanding is that Tesco was very favourably disposed to an all-island label as was being proposed. That intervention was timed to put a spanner in the works and it did so. This comes back to the argument on the power of the beef barons over retailers as well as producers and the fact that they are working collectively together. I know the Minister does not like me using the word "cartel" but nothing will convince me that there is not a cartel operating to ensure that the supply is at their given price and not what is for the benefit of the producer.

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