Council backs motion on removal of Bord Bia chair

A motion calling for Meath County Council to call on the Minister for Agriculture to suspend the employment of the chairperson of Bord Bia with immediate effect was passed at Monday's full council meeting.

The motion was brought forward by Aontú councillor Dave Boyne who said the Bord Bia chairperson, Larry Murrin was supposed to be promoting all things to do with Irish food and the quality of Irish food and how well our agriculture does, yet they were off "gallivanting getting meat from other countries".

"In my opinion he has to go. That is completely against what he should be doing," said Cllr Boyne.

The motion was seconded by independent councillor Noel French.

Cllr French, commenting after the meeting, said that Irish farmers are operating to the highest international standards for food safety and that he was concerned at the importation of Brazilian beef, some of which might not meet these high standards.