Murrin called on to accept Oireachtas committee invitation
The chairperson of Bord Bia has been called on to accept an invitation to appear before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food.
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) said that Larry Murrin must appear before the committee to "explain how his role as chair of Bord Bia can be compatible" with his company, Dawn Farm Foods, sourcing some beef from Brazil.
"This issues has gone far beyond farmer organisations," ICSA president Sean McNamara said.
"When an Oireachtas committee feels compelled to call the chair of Bord Bia before it, that alone shows how serious this situation has become.
"Mr. Murrin needs to show up and give straight answers. No excuses, no delays," he said.
According to McNamara, farmer confidence in Bord Bia "has been severely damaged".
"Anyone who has listened to farmers or followed the debate over recent days understands the depth of anger that exits," he added.
"Any attempt to delay or avoid the committee would only deepen the belief that farmers are being ignored and talked down to," the ICSA president said.
According to McNamara, farmers, consumers and taxpayers "deserve to know how the chair of a publicly-funded body tasked with promoting Irish food can remain in that role" in light of Dawn Farm Foods sourcing some of its beef supply from Brazil.
"This situation exposes a bitter truth that while Irish farmers face endless rules, inspection and costs, those at the top are allowed to operate as if they live on a different planet.
He said that the ICSA's position that Murrin should step aside as chairperson of Bord Bia remains unchanged.
"He does not just have questions to answer for farmers but for consumers and the wider public who fund Bord Bia," the ICSA president said.
He also called on Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon to "stop ignoring the problem and stop pretending it will resolve itself".
Oireachtas committee
The Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food held a private meeting yesterday (Tuesday, January 27).
During that meeting there was a request from Fianna Fáil spokesperson on agriculture and TD for Carlow-Kilkenny Peter 'Chap' Cleere for Larry Murrin to be invited to address the committee.
He is among several Fianna Fáil TDs who have called on Larry Murrin to consider his position as chair of Bord Bia.
Fianna Fáil TD for Clare and suckler farmer Cathal Crowe said he will be raising his concerns about the issue in government circles.
Chairperson of the committee and Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West Aindrias Moynihan confirmed to Agriland that it will be requesting Murrin to appear before the committee.
