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here today, but he was here last week. Before the board meeting had even taken place, Sinn Féin wanted the chair of Bord Bia gone. It did not even want the meeting to take place. The position was "Go. Off with his head" before there was any chance … board. He answered all the questions board members had and had the support of the overwhelming majority of the board of Bord Bia. I understand that he is happy to appear before the Oireachtas agriculture committee, and he should do so. Again, that is an important process

Given that it was raised, I did receive the Deputy's correspondence this morning in respect of Bord Bia. Bord Bia has been performing exceptionally well this year, last year and over the past number of years. If we look at 2020, there were exports of over … including beef. We export beef and Irish food to 75 countries around the world. I am just back from China where I saw Bord Bia executives marketing Irish food very effectively and very efficiently in Mandarin. Do not try to drag down a good organisation

need to state the facts straightforwardly. Larry Murrin is chair of Bord Bia. Bord Bia has done a fine job in marketing food, drink and horticulture from Ireland. However, let us also be clear that Larry Murrin is the co-founder and CEO of Dawn Farms … beef. The Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, spoke about dangers in the future. There will be reputational damage done by the chair of Bord Bia taking in Brazilian beef. In fairness, the Minister of State, Deputy Healy-Rae, stood up in relation to the Mercosur deal. I know

huge range of significant issues are putting pressure on farmers. They include bluetongue, the new Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, the Mercosur deal and Bord Bia. Last week, the agriculture committee questioned the Bord Bia chair on Brazilian beef imports. There are very strong views on the issue … people around the table, face to face and talking. Is there some way of getting the various interest groups - the farmer organisations and Bord Bia - around the table to get progress on the current impasse

does the Taoiseach continue to bury his head in the sand? Farmers are in an ongoing sit-down protest in the offices of Bord Bia. How on earth can the Taoiseach stand over a Bord Bia chairperson remaining in place when every single farming organisation, representing the primary … insists the farmers must meet to sell their beef around the world. When will the Taoiseach wake up and remove the chairperson of Bord Bia

Either the Deputy wants me to respond to his question or he does not. On the point about Bord Bia, there is nuance and detail involved. A calm space is needed for this to be explained. We have dealt with soundbites, attacks and rash actions and comments … international trade deals. We export 90% of our food and drink produce. With regard to the specific business case of the chairman of Bord Bia, it is absolutely explainable. It was explained to the board of Bord Bia and 12 of the 14 members absolutely accepted that

Minister and the Ministers of State know what has to be done here. Bord Bia is the body tasked with marketing our beef across the world and with overseeing the standards in that regard of all the farmers across the State. My colleague Deputy Martin Kenny referred … just ignored them and dismissed them to the point now that they have to have a sit-in protest and occupy the Bord Bia office. How much reputational damage has the Government done to Bord Bia at this stage? This all follows on from the way the Government

What engagement has the Minister had with Bord Bia in relation to the report on the review of governance procedures in that organisation? Farmers and farmer organisations are still saying very clearly that this report is not adequate, that farmers do not have confidence in the chair … Bord Bia and that as long as he remains there, they will find it very difficult to have confidence in Bord Bia as an organisation that implements the quality assurance scheme. How can we finally resolve this ongoing situation

value of exports of sustainably produced high quality Irish food and beverages globally. Agrifood export value reached a record €19.26 billion in 2024. Bord Bia, a State body funded by my Department, is dedicated to promoting Ireland's outstanding food, drink and horticulture produce around the world … shows, digital campaigns, retail and restaurant promotions and various other trade promotions and events including campaigns around Saint Patrick's Day global events. Bord Bia also hosts inward buyer visits on an ongoing basis and meetings with key international companies. In April, I led a visit

Minister for agriculture will do because the Minister has asked that he would receive a detailed report on all of these matters from Bord Bia directly following today's board meeting. Far be it from any of the accusations or obfuscation or any of the words the Deputy … just come in and say, "Off with your head". We actually have boards. We have legislation. I have confidence in the board of Bord Bia to do its duty in examining any issues, perceived or real, that would arise and then give its view to the Minister

have that power. It needs the consent of the Minister. There are a number of facts that are undisputable. The chair of Bord Bia, the State agency responsible for promoting Irish food at the highest international standards, is also the director of a company that is importing Brazilian … company, who acknowledges that his company imports Brazilian beef for the Irish market, is the chair appointed by the Government as head of Bord Bia. The issue here is there has to be credibility, good faith and accountability. With all the facts we know now, which are undisputed

Five people are occupying the offices of Bord Bia at the moment. They do not want to be there; they want this situation to be resolved. In fairness, the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, in recent days put forward a proposal to try to resolve … offered a suggestion to the effect that the chairperson of Bord Bia step aside while a full review of the situation takes place. Will the Government please, in the interests of everybody involved and, in particular, the industry, which has been brought into disrepute because of what

sector, as well as pork and dairy products. It is a very important market for us and one which, with the assistance of Bord Bia, we continue to promote. The pelagic processors account for €122 million of the €947 million value of the overall sector … seafood processing companies in the industry. Together with departmental officials, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Bord Bia, we will work with the pelagic processors to fully assess and analyse the impact of reductions that will take effect in 2026, and to identify ways in which these processors

Sinn Féin. Even if it does not matter to this Government, it will always matter to us. The failure of the chair of Bord Bia to read the room and resign raises serious questions about accountability. I have said it before and I will say it here again … accountability. This latest fiasco is just another example of that. Larry Murrin is the figurehead for quality in Irish food. He and Bord Bia are responsible for ensuring that quality standards for Irish food are upheld. How can he continue in his role when trust has been broken

move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "further notes that" and substitute the following: "— the Board of Bord Bia, including the Chair, is made up of 15 members from across all areas of the agri-food sector, and its function is to promote, assist and develop … last five years by 40 per cent, from €2.2 billion in 2019 to €3.1 billion in 2024, an increase of €890 million; — Bord Bia is carrying out its mission to a high standard, making its contribution along with farmers and the wider agri-food industry to the export

fingers to farmers, to the public, and to anyone who believes public bodies should operate with integrity. An Bord Bia demands the highest standards from Irish farmers. It inspects them, audits them, penalises them and markets their products on the basis of stringent quality checks and traceability … public. Farmers are angry because they are being undermined. The public is livid because we are being treated with contempt. The chairman of Bord Bia importing Brazilian beef while holding Irish farmers to the highest standards is a brazen double standard. When we put that in the context

Commission under the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, EMFAF, 2021-2027. Schemes for industry under the SDP are primarily implemented by BIM. Bord Bia also provides funding to industry through that SDP to assist seafood processors to attend international trade shows and market-study visits to carry … committed to supporting the industry in every way possible. Separately to the SDP, the Department also funds supports and services provided by Bord Bia to the agrifood sector, including seafood. These, in particular, marketing innovation, new product development, etc., are accessed by seafood processors. Funding supports are also

back to Bord Bia. We are discussing Bord Bia

need Bord Bia. Get rid of Bord Bia

where we need to get to. That is not at any extra cost to tillage farmers. It is being funded by the Department, Bord Bia and the Malting Company Ireland. Bord Bia has established a technical advisory committee in this regard. That is where we need

linked to what I just said. You have accused me of being evasive. Here it is, really clear: I support the chair of Bord Bia. I think the chair of Bord Bia should continue. I think he should go in front of the agriculture committee

points being made? The Government is allowing Larry Murrin to sit as chairperson where he has access to full access to Bord Bia and to information on suppliers to Bord Bia. That is insider trading under Irish

impressed to hear the amount of produce that Ireland exports. This is a credit to all the farmers, the processors and, in particular, Bord Bia. I must acknowledge the tremendous work Bord Bia does. It has 14 offices throughout the world. It works full-time sourcing new markets

position on this. There is significant value. I do not like the way the Deputy just dismissed the work of those in Bord Bia because they are not out in the rain. Bord Bia is doing incredible work across the world at a time of extraordinary global

Deputy's party is steeped in, does not serve democracy well. I have every confidence in the process. I have every confidence in Bord Bia to discharge its duty and in the board of Bord Bia to discharge its corporate governance duties. I have every confidence

Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether, since 1 January 2025, he has requested or received any written assurance, report, or governance submission from Bord Bia relating to the management of perceived conflicts of interest at chairperson or board level; and if so, the date received and whether

Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has assessed the potential impact of governance controversies on farmer participation and confidence in the Bord Bia quality assurance system; and if so, the methodology used, the indicators reviewed, and the date of the most recent assessment. [8224/26

targeted review of conflict-of-interest and perception-risk guidance for State bodies in the agri-food sector under his remit, including Bord Bia; and if so, the scope, the body or unit leading the review, and the timeline for completion. [8225/26

Marine his views on whether a conflict of interest exists in the CEO of a major agri-food company serving as chairperson of Bord Bia; the action he will take to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6972/26

Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his role in appointing members to the board of Bord Bia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6548/26

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to report on his most recent engagement with Bord Bia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6876/26

asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether he is satisfied that existing governance arrangements fully protect the statutory role of Bord Bia in promoting Irish food and agricultural produce; and the safeguards in place to ensure that board-level decision-making is not perceived

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the disclosure and transparency obligations imposed on Bord Bia's board members in respect of external commercial interests, including the way such disclosures are reviewed by his Department; and whether he plans to strengthen these

requested, a review of governance and conflict-of-interest guidance as it applies specifically to State bodies operating in the agrifood sector, including Bord Bia; and the scope and timeline of any such review. [6558/26

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the approach his Department, Bord Bia and other agencies will take to enhance the trade and investment relationship between Ireland and Arab states in the Middle East and North Africa in the areas of agri-food

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on a recent meeting between the Deer Management Strategy Group and Bord Bia in relation to the marketing of venison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47324/25

used by Irish companies in west Africa in relation to fat-filled milk powder, FFMP, and the support given to FFMP exports by Bord Bia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36624/25

Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the amount Bord Bia has spent on social media campaigns, including collaborations with influencers, since January 2021 to promote Irish fat-filled milk powder in Nigeria, Senegal

Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide detailed information on the number of trade missions involving Bord Bia to Senegal, Ghana, or Nigeria, each year since 2021, including how many of these trade missions included the promotion of dairy products, including

provide detailed information on the number, names and organisational affiliations of all participants who were paid by the State to travel on the Bord Bia trade mission to Senegal and Nigeria in September 2023. [20125/25

Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Bord Bia has planned any future trade missions to Senegal or Nigeria. [20127/25

Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of meetings that have been held by his Department, Bord Bia, or any other representatives of the State, with government ministers, staff and civil servants in Nigeria, Senegal and Ghana on behalf of Ireland

reasons why it is not sold, and if he will make a statement on his Department’s view on government-funded bodies like Bord Bia facilitating the sale of fat-filled milk powder in foreign markets. [20131/25

embassy of Ireland, Shanghai consulate general of Ireland, Hong Kong Consulate General of Ireland, Enterprise Ireland in China, IDA in China, Bord Bia in China, Tourism Ireland in China, by grade and office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7099/25

Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, more than 20 years after the merger of Bord Glas into Bord Bia, the stated objectives of the time were achieved; whether horticulture has grown at the rate envisaged in 2004; and if he will make