Taoiseach Should Promote Irish Beef Sector-FF

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been slammed by Fianna Fáil for comments about eating less red met which are believed to have angered beef farmers across Ireland.

Charlie McConalogue TD, the party's spokesperson for Agriculture, said the Programme for Government places an obligation on Mr Varadkar to promote the Irish beef sector, rather than publicly committing to lowering his red meat intake in a bid to reduce his carbon footprint.

"The Taoiseach has completely ignored the fact that Ireland has one of the most carbon-efficient beef production systems in the world. Irish beef farmers have worked incredibly hard to achieve and maintain their record on climate change mitigation, but Leo Varadkar has failed to recognise this," TD McConalogue continued.

"Today in the Dáil, rather than acknowledge the anger he has caused, the Taoiseach doubled down stating that red meat contributes to higher rates of cancer."

Spokesperson on Food & Horticulture, Jackie Cahill added that the comments sparked outrage across the nation's beef farming community.

"They're currently experiencing some of the lowest beef prices in recent times and are under immense financial pressure. Now they feel that they have been undermined by the Taoiseach, who's singular attempt to reduce his carbon footprint is to eat less red meat.

"The Taoiseach is completely out of touch with farmers and the farming community. These comments were completely inappropriate for the head of government and could prove hugely damaging for an already strained beef sector."



(JG/CM)