Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is good that the Senator is raising this matter today, particularly as he is articulating grave concerns. There was a lobbying session by the IFA a couple of weeks ago and the matter is very much on its radar. The Minister cannot refer anything to the Commission until the merger happens. Prior to the latter taking place, the Senator is raising the matter publicly, creating awareness and notifying the Minister. There is a robust process to go through if there are concerns. It is obviously that the Senator has concerns at this early stage. If the merger were to happen, there are mechanisms in place, through both the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the European Commission. That is a mechanism that is open to the Minister. It is important that the matter is raised. Every farmer who is involved in the beef industry has grave concerns in respect of this matter. They are articulating that and the Senator has added value by raising the issue publicly today.