Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture, Food, the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD says the Government need to stand ready to support Irish beef farmers, via the European Commission, as the COVID-19 crisis impacts the beef industry.
Deputy McConalogue was making the comments as fast food chain McDonalds gets set to close its restaurants in the UK and Ireland from tonight.
“I understand McDonalds purchase roughly 40,000 tonnes of Irish beef every year to use in their restaurants across the UK and Europe. It spends approximately €160m per year on Irish grown beef. They also significantly invest in the dairy industry, using Irish diary produce in their stores internationally. Tonight’s closure of its restaurants is a massive blow to the Irish beef and dairy industries.
“Of course, public health and the safety of the general public is paramount as we try limit the number of cases of COVID-19 in the country so the temporary closure of their restaurants is a sensible decision.
“The Government need to be ready to support Irish beef farmers. I would urge the Minister for Agriculture to engage with his European counterparts and the European Commission to support Irish farmers as this crisis worsens.
“Farmers have stood up during this crisis and will be supporting their communities by ensuring their end of the food supply chain is kept running. As the weeks pass with continued restaurant and hotel closures it is important the Government look after beef farmers through European Commission supports,” concluded Deputy McConalogue.
