A beef scandal has broken out in Brazil in recent weeks. I was shocked to discover that after a two-year investigation in Brazil by federal police, several companies are accused of using chemicals and acid to disguise rotten meat. One startling thing to emerge is that the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety of the European Commission only learned of this investigation through the press when the scandal broke. I fear for the safety of the European consumer in the context of these Brazilian food products. I am also concerned about beef producers within the EU, and especially those in Ireland. We have full traceability from farm to fork. Yet, our farmers are competing against major international companies from various parts of the world. It is clear that at they are not subjected to anywhere near the same type of regulation. Obviously, this gives international competitors a major advantage. I call on the Government to take serious action at European level in the interests of public safety. Our Government needs to push for a total ban on Brazilian meat imported to the EU and for the immediate suspension of the Mercosur trade deal.

The Government and Irish farmers are absolutely committed to high standards in food production, ensuring that consumers have confidence in food, as well as ensuring that people who seek to buy that food will have confidence in it, particularly if they are abroad. No trade agreements to which the Government is a party or which it might enter into will be allowed to undermine that confidence.