Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

When we use the words, "from the farm gate to the plate", we eliminate the farmer from the process. Bord Bia can call on a restaurant owner and ask from where he or she gets his or her meat. In reply the owner can say he or she produces it on his or her farm and processes it and that it is quality Irish beef. If one wishes to secure certification under the Bord Bia stamp of approval, one has to obtain it through an authorised agency. The authorised agency named a particular supplier who had been traced as having most of his beef sourced outside the State from third countries. Is that what we want for Irish farming? Is that not a kick in the teeth for Irish farming? This is being done by Bord Bia, an agency of the Department. It is time the Minister rectified this problem.