Kieran Phelan (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Sargent. I also welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on this serious issue that came to light at the weekend and the information that emerged yesterday regarding PCB found in certain herds of cattle. I express my distress in respect of this matter and my concern for all parties involved. It is extremely upsetting that so many families are affected by this crisis with only two weeks to go until Christmas.

I congratulate the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Minister, Deputy Smith, the Minister of State, Deputy Sargent, and their officials on moving so speedily to deal with this matter in conjunction with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. I have no doubt that the Ministers and the relevant bodies will work speedily to get the market back on its feet and to assure the public, at home and abroad, that Irish pork is fit for human consumption and continues to reach the first-class standard for which it is well known.

The measures we have put in place are an indication of our commitment to the health of our citizens and the reputation of the agrifood sector. We have acted responsibly at all times and I am optimistic that the negotiations with the processors and the producers will deliver an outcome that will facilitate the resumption of slaughtering as a matter of urgency. Such resumption is vital for thousands of employees, producers and processors and is in the national interest.

I greet the up-to-date press release from the European Food Safety Authority, EFSA, with some relief. The EFSA carried out scientific tests under several different scenarios and discovered that the dioxin contained in Irish pork would not give rise to adverse health effects.

As with all matters relating to the agricultural sector, this issue is close to my heart. I have been involved in the beef and pig sectors for many years in County Laois and the surrounding counties, which have a tremendous history of rearing prime stock for breeding and slaughter. Agriculture is a substantial contributor to GDP. In these tough fiscal times, Ireland, as a small producing nation, cannot afford to have its pork industry adversely affected for an extended period. We must get the sector back up and running at the levels of productivity that obtained prior to the weekend. It must be made clear to consumers that checks will be put in place so that there will be no recurrence of the mistake that was made in this instance. The Department and bodies such as Bord Bia will work tirelessly to regain confidence in the beef and pork sectors in Ireland.

I welcome the Minister of State's announcement to the effect that organic pig farmers will be allowed to return their products to the marketplace. I compliment him, the Minister, Deputy Smith, and all the team in the Department on the tremendous work they have done in recent days.