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

I would very much like to see a change of heart from retailers. I would also like to see them give the price that has been well earned and which should be respected to the producer. At the end of the line, the producer - the farmer - is the person who is absolutely hostage to the retailers and the beef barons. From my own knowledge of being tied into the farming organisations and individual farmers, they are being held to ransom by a cartel among the beef barons. They are the ones who determine the price and put pressure on retailers regarding a so-called mixed label between bullocks from different countries. It is absolutely madness. I welcome the fact that the Minister and Michelle O'Neill, MLA are trying to resolve the issue, but everybody in the House knows the beef industry has data access on every calf born in the State.

See this speech in context