Statement by the Taoiseach, 11 December, 2008
I am very pleased to confirm this morning that agreement has been reached between the Government and the Irish pig processing sector which will see the resumption of large-scale slaughtering and processing.
I understand that some small-scale processing has already recommenced and today’s agreement will enable full-scale, commercial slaughtering to start and I hope that most of the larger processors will be slaughtering by today/tomorrow morning.
This morning’s agreement will come as a great relief to the hundreds of pig producers throughout the country as well as the thousands of workers in employed in the processing sector and all those involved in the wider industry. It will also be welcomed by consumers who can now look forward with confidence to Irish pork and bacon produce being back on their shelves within days and the renewed prospect of top quality Irish hams for Christmas.
Bord Bia and the other relevant State Agencies, as well as our network of Embassies, will commence an immediate domestic and international marketing campaign to re-establish the Irish pork and bacon brand in all our markets. Minister Smith will lead this particular initiative focusing as a priority on our more important and lucrative overseas market.
I appreciate that this has been a lengthy process and I want to express my appreciation to those involved for their commitment to securing a satisfactory outcome and, indeed, for their patience.
On behalf of the Government, I want to convey my particular appreciation to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith and the Minister of State for Food, Trevor Sargent, and their officials as well as our other ministerial colleagues who have been involved in the many aspects of this incident as well as officials from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
11 December, 2008
ENDS