Pigmeat sector’s problems discussed

The difficulties facing the Irish pigmeat sector, including the effects of the Russian ban on EU exports, have been raised in the Dáil.

Brendan Smith, a former agriculture minister, asked his successor Simon Coveney what plans he has to support the sector in view of the present difficulties.

Mr Coveney said the development of the sector is a priority for him given the crucial role which the industry plays in supporting some 7,000 jobs in production, slaughter, processing, feed manufacture and services.