Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

This weekend's news headlines were dominated by two very serious news stories. The first was the recall announced on Saturday evening of all pork products following the contamination of pork by harmful dioxins. The initial coverage was not reassuring for consumers in terms of the effects of dioxins — that came later. It would have been preferable, however, had consumers been reassured immediately, as opposed to simply hearing about the harmful amounts of dioxins that were present in the products. Although that has been corrected to an extent, it was somewhat tardy.

Fast decisive action will be absolutely essential because Ireland faces the most serious threat to its food industry, nationally and internationally, with serious implications for the producers, processors, employers and employees. Moreover, Irish consumers potentially face not having Irish products on the shelves. Consequently, Government action is critical and I welcome the statements that will be taken in the House tomorrow. While I had intended to propose an amendment to the Order of Business, I accept the Leader has organised a debate for tomorrow. Clearly decisive action is necessary by the Government today and in the next few weeks to protect the industry, jobs and our economy.

Consumers and those who are not close to the industry will have obvious questions on the reason the inspections failed and on traceability issues. While I understand the issue is more complex in respect of pork products and the pigmeat industry, consumers will wish to know the reason the inspections failed and whether there are other such plants. Given that this plant was not inspected this year, are other recycling plants that have not been inspected doing the same job? What are the Government's plans in that regard? Reassurances must be given to consumers. Members have just heard that beef products also have been found to contain dioxin, albeit, thankfully, to a lesser degree. I hope the implications will not be as serious for that industry because that really would be devastating for the economy.