The Minister of State, Tony Killeen, has said it is imperative that the Government and the European Union act promptly in addressing farmers concerns over the importation of beef from Brazil.
Mr Killeen said it is entirely unacceptable, and to the detriment of Irish farmers, that produce imported from non-EU countries does not meet equivalent standards to those imposed on EU farmers.
The Minister was speaking after a demonstration by the IFA in Dublin where the EU and Minister Mary Coughlan were severely criticised.
The IFA leader Padraig Walshe said it was incredible that Ms Coughlan was ‘aiding and abetting’ the EU in the cover-up of double standards of beef imports from Brazil.
He called for a total ban on this trade, claiming that Brazil was failing to meet the most basic standards and controls - especially relating to production and traceability.
Tonight Minister Killeen said he would continue to impress upon Mary Coughlan the need to ensure that Irish farmers receive fair play in the market place.
Earlier, Ms Coughlan repeated that the issue has been a priority for her, and she has been advocating that imports to the EU must meet standards equivalent to those required of European farmers.
The EU office in Dublin said appropriate measures are in place to protect EU consumers.
