Sinn Féin has renewed its call on the Government to sack the chairperson of Bord Bia as a result of his company's role in importing Brazilian beef into Ireland.
In a motion in the Dáil tonight, the party said that Irish farmers and their representative organisations have lost confidence in Larry Murrin.
The party contends that if he continues as chairperson it will undermine public confidence in Bord Bia, and damage Ireland's reputation as a world leader producing food that adheres to the highest standards.
The Government has rejected calls to remove Mr Murrin from the prestigious post.
In a counter motion it stated that Bord Bia is carrying out its mission to a high standard, making its contribution along with farmers and the wider agri-food industry to the export success of a vital sector.
It says too that the Board of Bord Bia has discussed the issues raised, and the majority agreed outcome was to support the Chairperson to continue in office.
It adds that all of the Board members strongly endorsed the personal integrity and experience of the Chair, and acknowledged that there was no legal or governance issue at play.
Larry Murrin will appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food tomorrow.
IFA protest in Galway seeks Larry Murrin resignation
Galway-based members of the Irish Farmers' Association have staged a protest outside the constituency office of a Government minister as part of the organisation's campaign to secure the resignation of the Bord Bia chairman.
Around 20 farmers gathered at the office of Minister of State with responsibility for Food Promotion, Noel Grealish, on the outskirts of the city.
They said they were frustrated that the Government has not responded to their queries about Larry Murrin's position.
IFA County Galway Chairman Stephen Canavan said the organisation was prepared to escalate its protest to "emphasise their point".
The IFA claims that Mr Murrin’s position is untenable after it emerged that his company, Dawn Farms, had been using Brazilian beef in its meat products.
Mr Canavan said that farmers’ confidence in the Bord Bia chairman had been lost.
Yesterday, IFA members began a sit-down protest inside the company's offices in Dublin.
