Alan Kelly (Labour)

We should be having a debate about the scary situation in which our food industry finds itself this week, and we should be doing it today rather than tomorrow. I acknowledge that the Leader has provided time for it tomorrow but it is something that we should be speaking about today. It has a dramatic impact on a great many people. As the Cathaoirleach will be well aware, in our own areas in the midlands it has a considerable impact given the job losses announced in recent days.

I have a couple of questions. When the announcement was made I was concerned by the level of pronouncements and that not much of a reassurance campaign was introduced initially. I suppose there was a small degree of hysteria brought about which needed to be negated by a level of realism about the actual impact and the risk to human health, and it was regrettable that this did not happen, especially in the pronouncements by the Government.

We must question whether to a degree the reaction was over the top. We have to consider the traceability issue. I recognise that pork is more difficult to trace than beef because the latter is seasonal while the former is used in a wide range of secondary products. The traceability systems that have been introduced since 2001 should work but this is the first occasion they have been tested and they appear to be ineffective. Producers and factory workers believe the procedures can work if they are permitted to do so and that the contaminated pork products are traceable. There is no reason in the world primary cuts cannot be released and the slaughtering of animals should be resumed in the near future. From this public forum we need to reassure people that pork and bacon products will be available during the most important time of the year for their consumption.

Even though organic pork is not affected, it is labelled in the same manner as affected Irish products. At the very least, the Government should state that organic pork is 100% safe.

In regard to beef contamination, I am glad the Government has decided to isolate the affected herds and to implement a campaign to reassure the public. However, this stance should have been adopted since the weekend.

We also need to acknowledge that the EU has a role to play. It is unrealistic to believe that the Government can step in to give €7,500 to food producers over three years. That sum will not save people who are on the bread line. Europe has an opportunity to show its hand by supporting Ireland and those involved in the industry.

I note that Aviance is closing its operations at Dublin Airport, with the loss of 150 jobs. The reasons given for the decision include the high costs of its union recognised workforce, which has a good pension scheme and was very well treated. I am afraid that, once again, hard working employees are being penalised and we are witnessing a race to the bottom. We should be concerned about this prospect.