Results 18,401-18,420 of 18,593 for speaker:Michael Creed

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: If one has a problem with traceability and tagging and one goes to a factory with an animal, that animal will end up in a skip and not be processed into the human food chain. Why is it that the Minister can state there is a problem with traceability and tagging of beef from Brazil——

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: ——while standing over a system which gives those who produce that beef——

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: ——unfettered access to the market here?

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: The Minister is desperately trying to get onside, a fact we welcome, but she made a major faux pas and has a great deal of bridge-building to do with Irish farmers and beef producers.

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: The Minister is offside.

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: Will the Ceann Comhairle give me some protection from the Minister?

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: In the interests of consumers and with the willingness of the agriculture sector, we have invested a great deal of money in producing a quality product.

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: However, the Minister stood outside the door and spun against the interests of beef producers.

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: The Minister was outside the door spinning against the interests of farmers.

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: That is a fact and she cannot deny it. She was quoted in the Irish Farmers Journal to that effect and she did not deny it.

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: The Minister said there was a problem with traceability.

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: I wish to move on from that issue.

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: I will not be shouted down or bullied by the Minister. I will have my say.

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: I wish the Minister had used her contribution to address the issues to which the motion refers.

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: I welcome the thoughtful contribution of the Minister of State, Deputy Sargent. However, I would not entirely agree with what he said. There is a commitment in the programme for Government in respect of a GM-free island. The issue of GM organisms gives rise to a great deal of emotion and heat but not much light is being shed on it.

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: I fail to understand how it is possible to have a GM-free island if the Minister facilitates the importation of GM feeds. I support the latter because they have been a part of the agriculture sector here for the past ten years and will continue to be so. There is an issue of serious significance coming down the line in this regard.

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: Non-GM soya products will not be available in two years' time. Strains of GM soya are being sown in the United States which will be the sole source of protein for the Irish feed industry. This matter must be addressed. We must engage in a rational debate on the GM issue. If the Minister is intent on creating a GM-free island, we must be informed as to whether this will involve turning...

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: There is a fear that this is the agenda.

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: The Minister had the opportunity to address the motion but did not do so. She cannot have her say at this point. When she spoke, she did not mention consumers.

Agrifood Industry: Motion (Resumed) (24 Oct 2007)

Michael Creed: I wish to make a final point on which I will conclude. The GM issue is extremely serious for the feed industry, poultry, pig, beef and dairy producers and the entire food sector.