O’Dea meets IFA over sourcing Defence Forces supplies from North
Following the meeting, the IFA said Mr O’Dea had given it a commitment that the Government would look at supporting Irish produce in future tenders and would be consulting with other Government Departments on the issue.
Derek Deane, deputy president, who led the IFA delegation, said it had strongly impressed upon Mr O’Dea that quality assured producers should not be at a disadvantage in the Government tendering process, and that the minister agreed
The meeting followed an IFA poultry growers’ protest outside the Department of Defence last week, over the Government’s policy.
Mr Deane said the delegation also pointed out to Mr O’Dea that labour costs in Ireland are uncompetitive when compared with those of the North.
At the current exchange rate of £0.85: €1, the minimum wage in the North, of £5.73 (€6.74) is 22% below the Irish statutory minimum wage of €8.65. In addition Irish poultry producers’ electricity prices are 22% above those in the North.
“The minister now has a clear understanding of the difficulties the Government’s tendering policy is creating for quality assured poultry producers.
“He and his Cabinet colleagues must take immediate action to redress this situation and defend Irish jobs,” he said.
IFA Poultry Committee chairman Ned Morrissey said the recent decision not to support indigenous Irish business shows that the Government and its officials are out of touch with the challenges of the poultry sector at this time.
“Poultry meat in this country is produced to the highest standards and is responsible for over 2,500 jobs between production, processing and subsidiary industries,” he said.
