O’Dea meets IFA over sourcing Defence Forces supplies from North

THE sourcing of chicken for the Defence Forces from a Northern Ireland processor who is not part of the Bord Bia quality assured scheme was discussed at a meeting between the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and Defence Minister Willie O’Dea.

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