ICSA president Sean McNamara has said Larry Murrin must accept the invitation to appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and explain how his role as chair of Bord Bia can be compatible with his company importing Brazilian beef. “This issue has now gone far beyond farmer organisations. When an Oireachtas committee feels compelled to call the chair of Bord Bia before it, that alone shows how serious this situation has become. Mr Murrin needs to show up and give straight answers. No excuses, no delays,” he said

Continuing Mr McNamara said, “Farmer confidence in Bord Bia has been severely damaged. Anyone who has listened to farmers or followed the debate over recent days understands the depth of anger that exists. Any attempt to delay or avoid the committee would only deepen the belief that farmers are being ignored and talked down to.”

“This is not about whether something is legal. It is about whether it is acceptable. Farmers, consumers and taxpayers all deserve to know how the chair of a publicly funded body tasked with promoting Irish food can remain in that role while his company imports beef from Brazil. This situation exposes a bitter truth that while Irish farmers face endless rules, inspections and costs, those at the top are allowed to operate as if they live on a different planet.”

Concluding, Mr McNamara said ICSA’s position remains unchanged. “Mr Murrin must step aside. He does not just have questions to answer for farmers but for consumers and the wider public who fund Bord Bia. Accountability at this level matters. In addition, Minister Heydon must stop ignoring the problem and stop pretending it will resolve itself on its own.”

ENDS