The information brought to light by the Beef Plan Movement in relation to Bord Bia is explosive. The fact that Brazilian beef was brought into this country by a company whose CEO is also the chairperson of Bord Bia is extremely damning and undermines public confidence in Bord Bia. Bord Bia is supposed to be promoting Irish beef. However, its chairman’s company is bringing in Brazilian beef. That is scandalous. Irish beef farmers feel betrayed. This news has broken at a time when Irish beef has never been under so great a threat internationally.

There are serious questions for Bord Bia and the Department of agriculture to answer. This man was appointed to Bord Bia by the former Minister for agriculture, Deputy Charlie McConalogue. The advertisement relating to his position stated that candidates had outline in their applications any potential conflicts of interest. Did this happen? Were any conflicts declared? Did the Minister know? Both of these lads need to be hauled before the Oireachtas committee in order that there can be proper scrutiny of their actions. This is a major scandal. Hard-working farmers deserve answers because they have been betrayed by the very entity that is supposed to be looking out for them.

I have made a written complaint to the Standards in Public Office Commission asking it to investigate whether all necessary declarations were made and to check whether there were any breaches of legislation. Farmers need answers in respect of this matter.