Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister spoke about the hard work done by our farming community. The same applies to hoteliers and everyone else across the board. Food is important to us. According to the EPA’s 2021 report, the Government funded the efficient food project, which estimated the amount of food waste and loss in primary production in Ireland for the first time. It is important that the Government has recognised this issue.

I pay tribute to my farmers in Carlow-Kilkenny. I see the work they do. I met them at the rally two weeks ago in Carlow, but we will discuss the concerns they raised another day. I know the Minister will meet them.

The Department of agriculture is aware of this issue and I know the work the Minister is doing. He spoke about farm to fork. The strategy is important. All I can do is highlight that this is about information, communication and everyone working together. If we do that, it will go a long way towards getting this issue sorted.

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