Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of my party, I would like to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to the family of Captain Mark Duffy and to all those involved in that horrendous accident.

I do not think the agri-food industry will take much solace from what the Minister has said. There is a huge industry out there and it is very important to note the talk-up by the British Government in regard to supposed trade deals with the US, Canada and South America. We have seen in recent days that the quality of food being produced in some of these countries leaves a lot to be desired. The Irish agricultural industry has built enormously over the past 25 years and goes back centuries. It has prided itself on following the regulations stringently to produce one of the best and safest food industries in the world. Despite Bord Bia being the agency of the State that is charged with marketing our products, it has only four extra key officials in light of Brexit. The Minister said the Government was strengthening the agencies. If that is strengthening the agencies on behalf of the agri-food industry, heaven help us.

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