Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Minister that I have always believed in strong regulation of the beef sector but I am sceptical as to whether the office of the food ombudsman will deliver on it. If it does and the Minister passes legislation that will ensure proper accountability and transparency in the sector, not only will I support it but I will also commend the Minister for introducing it.

This issue has an effect on the wider debate on climate action and the environmental impact of beef production. It is entirely unfair to suggest that suckler farmers in the Minister's county or mine somehow need to reduce their production, as is often suggested, when factories own feedlots in which cattle are being concentrated and which undoubtedly have a greater environmental impact. If we are even to suggest a reduction in beef production, which I do not necessarily agree with, I suggest that the first thing to consider is feedlot production. We need to have the full facts. Will be Minister carry out an analysis to determine exactly how prevalent this element of the industry is?

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