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Defence Minister Looks To Support Irish |
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Written by Mark O'Brien
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Defence Minister Willie O’Dea today gave a commitment to an IFA delegation led by Deputy President Derek Deane that the Government would look at supporting Irish produce in future tenders. He met the delegation following an IFA poultry growers’ protest outside the Department of Defence last week over the Government having sourced chicken for the Defence Forces from a non-Quality Assured processor outside the Republic.
“This recent decision not to support indigenous Irish business shows that the Irish Government and their officials are out of touch with the challenges of the poultry sector at this time. Surely when jobs are being lost all over the country, it is more important than ever that those in power lead by example and support indigenous production. Poultry meat in this country is produced to the highest standards and is responsible for over 2,500 jobs between production, processing and subsidiary industries. How can we expect retailers and food companies to give shelf space to Irish produce if our own Government does not lead by example and support Quality Assured Irish product?” IFA Poultry Chairman Ned Morrissey. |