183. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied with the recent Bord Bia report, given its failure to adequately address public concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest arising from the chairperson's involvement in the importation of Brazilian beef into Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52278/26]

I welcome the report following the completion of the independent governance review into the Board of Bord Bia.

The review found that the vast majority of Board members view Mr Murrin’s performance as Chair very positively, noting that he provides clear leadership of the Board and maintains an appropriate focus on governance and strategy.

The review did not find that conflicts of interest were improperly managed.

The review did make some recommendations aimed at strengthening Bord Bia’s governance framework. The recommendations for improvement in the report are directed at governance processes generally and Board members understanding of these processes and not at the Chair or any other Board member personally.

I have written to the chair requesting the Board develop a timely and effective Action Plan to address the recommendations in the report and will be seeking regular updates on progress.

I am confident that the implementation of the recommendations from this independent review will help to further strengthen the Board of Bord Bia in fulfilling its important mandate.