Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed should facilitate independent mediation between farmers and the processing sector to address the price issue which has resulted in protests around the country, according to Charlie McConalogue.

The Fianna Fáil spokesperson on agriculture said while the Minister cannot address the price issue directly, he can certainly ensure that a mechanism is put in place to enable engagement between the Beef Plan Movement, farm organisations and the meat processing sector.

“It is simply not acceptable that Minister Creed continues to watch from the sidelines as the beef crisis escalates with continuing pickets by the Beef Plan Movement at factory gates this week and last week’s protests by the IFA at the EU Veterinary Office in Co Meath.

Minister Creed is choosing to ignore the fact that it is his role to provide leadership to the sector

“The only contribution that Minister Creed has offered at this time of growing crisis is that he cannot become involved because the Government can’t directly intervene in the determination of prices paid to farmers.

“Minister Creed is choosing to ignore the fact that it is his role to provide leadership to the sector and that he and the Government have a central role to play in addressing many of the issues being raised by farmers.

"He should meet with all stakeholders immediately to discuss how these can be addressed and, in particular, how transparency can be brought into the beef supply chain,” he said.

Echoing his comments, Fianna Fáil spokesperson on food and horticulture Jackie Cahill said: “Minister Creed and the Government need to recognise the unbearable financial pressure that beef farmers are under and the role he must play in addressing it.”

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