Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is very passionate about this issue and live exports involve another full debate. Today we are concentrating on the quality assurance scheme and the number of farmers signing up to it demonstrates that there is a level of faith in it. The Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, has worked hard to mediate in the forum on the matters raised by the Deputy. At the beef forum last week agreement was reached on the manner in which specifications would be applied in the future. The agreement provides a platform for improved relations in the sector into the future. I ask the Deputy to keep an eye on what is happening at the forum. There was a consultation process and I assume he made submissions in that regard. I have a funny feeling that we will come back to this matter. I cannot say I know much about Benjy, but I am told he will be very happy where he is. We will leave it at that.

I understand Deputy Paul J. Connaughton has agreed to defer his matter until next Tuesday, 25 November on the understanding the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, has committed to taking it on that day.

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