Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will address the latter point first. We are informed by what resonates with consumers. All of the advice is that the concept of suckler beef does not have a high degree of resonance but there is, across a range of agrifood products, a resonance with consumers about grass-based production systems as opposed to more intensive indoor rearing of cattle, etc. Seeking geographical indication status is important. We have seen in Irish whiskey what it can do for the drinks industry. There is geographical indication status for a range of other products as well. Pursuing this status in a way that delivers something tangible for farmers is our motivation.

I would have expected suckler beef to resonate but all of the advice is that grass-based production systems are what resonate with consumers. We are informed in this respect by market research engagement with Bord Bia and through pursuing the matter with the European Commission.

As I said, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has looked at this sector on several occasions. Continued vigilance by the commission to ensure there is no abuse of a dominant position in the sector is important in instilling confidence among farmers. More critically, we need the task force up and running. It must be enabled to pursue the agenda agreed by its members in the recent talks and to develop other issues it may wish to address.

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