I ask the Leader to arrange on some occasion a discussion in this House on what is happening to the chair of Bord Bia. Mr. Larry Murrin is a competent and devoted businessman who has done his best for his industry. He has the confidence of the board of Bord Bia. He is a man who has never taken a cent from the Irish taxpayer in expenses or salary for the position he holds.

Mr. Murrin was called before these Houses' joint committee on agriculture and subjected to a barrage of half-thought-out criticism, mainly inspired by people who appeared to be operating to the common theme of trying to discredit him and put to him questions that were wrong. He was subjected to many things, including questions about his political support in the past. He was asked about the shareholdings of his family and children in the food business. He was subjected to a grilling that was wholly unacceptable.

Today, I was driving to the House and passed Bord Bia's headquarters on Pembroke Road. There is a rolling occupation taking place by members of the Irish Farmers Association, IFA. There is a portable loo on the pavement. Other interest groups in Ireland do not have the licence to conduct rolling occupations of Government buildings or State agencies.

I put on the record my admiration for Mr. Murrin. I am grateful for all he has done during his period as chairman of Bord Bia. My strong view is that the Government should under no circumstances buckle in the face of a politically motivated and personalised campaign against a decent businessman.

Bord Bia is not simply about agricultural output. It is there to represent the food processing industry in general. That is a hugely valuable industry in Ireland. The idea that one or two organisations can attempt to drive a man out of office is wholly unacceptable to me. I hope the Government has the courage and honesty to stand up for him and make it clear to those who are trying to get rid of him that their tactics will not work and are counterproductive.