Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald today (Wednesday, January 21) said that confidence in Bord Bia's "independence and leadership" is essential.

It follows confirmation by a firm connected to the chair of Bord Bia that the business sources some beef from Brazil.

Larry Murrin, who is the chair, is also managing director of Dawn Farm Foods. 

As reported by Agriland last week, members of the Beef Plan Movement noted signage in outlets of the sandwich shop chain Subway - which is supplied with beef by Dawn Farm Foods - that said that Irish Subway outlets were provided with beef sourced from approved plants in both Europe and Brazil.

At the time Subway said in a statement to Agriland that the signage "reflects Dawn Farm Foods’ approved sourcing certification".

Subway also confirmed that it "did not source any beef from Brazil for its Irish restaurants in 2025".

Dawn Farms meanwhile told Agriland that it sources beef "from selected countries to ensure continuation of supply and in some cases to meet specific market requirements".

Deputy McDonald today wrote to the Taoiseach to outline her position in relation to confirmation by Dawn Farms that it sources Brazilian beef.

Bord Bia

She believes that Larry Murrin's role as chair of Bord Bia is "incompatible" with his role in Dawn Farms.

"His approach as CEO of Dawn Farms sits in direct conflict with Bord Bia's core role to promote Irish food, particularly Irish beef.

"It is obvious that confidence in Bord Bia's independence and leadership is essential," Deputy McDonald added.

She has said that the "issue now requires swift action from government".

The Sinn Féin leader today also urged Larry Murrin to resign as the chair of Bord Bia.