Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I want the Acting Leader to raise the possibility again of having a discussion on the food industry with a particular emphasis on the manner in which it is being treated at a European level. I may take the opportunity to raise this issue, possibly this afternoon. In recent times, I have examined the impact of regulation on the meat industry. I believe we have now reached the point where Ireland is the only country in Europe to find itself under the cosh from extraordinary decisions made at a European level to restrict the development of the food industry. In particular, more than ten years ago the House passed the Abattoirs Act which effectively made it impossible for ordinary butchers to kill livestock raised on their own land and grass. They were obliged to send the livestock elsewhere. While that caused its own difficulties, recently, the problem has become more severe. This is the point on which I seek a discussion.

I have spoken to representatives from the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland, many of whose members supply local hotels with meat, steaks, etc., which is an example of local businesses developing properly. They have now been informed that for as long as they sell to ordinary customers walking in from the street, they are in the retail sector and consequently must meet a high level of regulation. However, if the butchers start supplying their local hotel, which they have done for centuries or generations, they have entered the wholesale market where a new set of regulations exists to prevent them from developing their business and boosting the local economy. This is an example of what should be discussed.

I could make similar points about vegetables and other sectors which have been affected such as fish, albeit in a different respect to the issues discussed in the House earlier in the week. I seek a discussion on how European regulation has had a negative impact on the development of the Irish food industry.