The chair of Bord Bia, Larry Murrin has "never taken a cent from the Irish taxpayers in terms of expenses or salary" in relation to the role, according to a former Tánaiste and senator.

Independent Senator Michael McDowell told the Seanad today (Wednesday, February 11) that Larry Murrin, in his view is "a competent and devoted businessman who's done his best for his industry".

The former Minister for Justice and Attorney General also highlighted to the Seanad that Murrin "has the confidence of the board of Bord Bia".

Murrin has been at the centre of a storm in recent weeks over whether his role as chair of Bord Bia is, as some have claimed, "incompatible" with his role as CEO of Dawn Farm Foods.

The Irish company has confirmed that the business sources some beef from Brazil. According to Dawn Farm Foods, Brazilian beef accounted for 1% of its beef supply in 2025.

Senator McDowell said Murrin was called before Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food last week and "subjected to a barrage of half thought out criticism".

The senator said this was "mainly inspired by people who appeared to be operating on a common theme of trying to discredit him and trying to put to him questions which were wrong".

The country's largest farm organisations, as well as the Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, have said they believe Larry Murrin's role as chair of Bord Bia is "incompatible" with his role with Dawn Farms.

The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has been protesting at Bord Bia's Dublin headquarters since January 26 in relation to the chair of Bord Bia.

The farming organisation believes Murrin's position as chair of Bord Bia is "untenable" and have said "farmer confidence will only be restored with his removal".

Murrin

According to Senator McDowell the chair of Bord Bia was "subjected to a grilling, which was wholly unacceptable"at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food last week.

He added:"Today, I was driving to this house, and I passed An Bord Bia's HQ on Pembroke Road.

"There is a rolling occupation taking place of IFA members, with a portable loo out on the pavement.

The senator told the Seanad that he wanted to "put on the record" his admiration for Larry Murrin and his gratitude to him for all he has done during his period as chair An Bord Bia.

He said it was his "strong view that the government should, under no circumstances, buckle in the face of a politically motivated, personalised campaign against a decent businessman".

Bord Bia

According to Senator McDowell "An Bord Bia is not simply about agricultural output".

"The idea that one or two organisations can attempt to drive a man out of office is wholly unacceptable to me and I hope that the government has the courage and the honesty to stand up for him and make it clear to those who are trying to get rid of them, that their tactics will not work and are counterproductive," the senator added.