Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We both know that the beef sector needs to change. That must be brought about through the beef forum or the beef task force. It would be very helpful if all players were involved in contributing to the beef task force as a way of ensuring this country's beef sector has a sustainable future. Dealing with retailers is not as straightforward as the Deputy might suggest. Retailers purchase for multiple markets and not just for the Irish market. Some 90% of Irish beef has to find a consumer and a buyer outside of Ireland. Many of these things need to be done at EU level, or else at a level that is agreed between retailers, producers and processors. It is a complex discussion. Given the scale of the beef sector in Ireland, we need all players to contribute constructively to a beef forum that is looking to restructure this industry in a way that will allow primary producers of beef to gain a fair margin for the work they do.

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