Bord Bia chair conflict
Deputy McDonald accuses the Taoiseach of ignoring calls for Bord Bia chair Larry Murrin to step down over a conflict of interest linked to Brazilian beef imports. The Taoiseach rejects the attack, defends Bord Bia’s performance, and says he will not engage in a witch hunt.
Eight days on, and the Taoiseach still ignores the calls for Larry Murrin to step down from his role as chair of Bord Bia. His position is untenable. There is a massive conflict of interests with him remaining in post, particularly as his company imports Brazilian beef into the Irish market. This is totally in conflict with the role of Bord Bia, which is to promote Irish food, including Irish beef. How long will the Taoiseach keep his head buried in the sand, ignoring farming organisations, parties across the Dáil and many of his own TDs? The Government appointed Mr. Murrin as chair of Bord Bia. It has the power to remove him from post. The more it dithers and delays, the more damage is done to the reputation of Bord Bia. When will the Government use the powers available to it and remove Mr. Murrin as chair of Bord Bia?
Comment on this
I would like the Deputy to outline the powers and the basis for what she said. I have never been one for witch hunts. Notwithstanding the issues, I just do not like them. Governments have to do things properly and have to behave properly and appropriately. In terms of individuals, I have no relationship or whatever with Mr. Murrin. However, Bord Bia has performed exceptionally well. In total, Irish beef exports to 70 countries have increased over the past five years by €890 million. That is from €2.2 billion in 2019 to €3.1 billion in 2024. That is an increase of 40% in beef exports, and we are in here looking for the head of the person who was the head of the organisation that has achieved that.
We need to have perspective in our debates.
