Ó Cuív calls for independent investigation into horsemeat controversy
Published on: 05 February 2013
Fianna Fáil Agriculture Spokesperson, Éamon Ó Cuív, has called for an independent investigation into the horsemeat controversy after another beef processing plant was found to have equine DNA in their product.
Deputy Ó Cuív commented: “The latest statement by the Minister has created further confusion and unease in the Irish beef sector. This is now a fully blown crisis and it can’t be allowed to drag on any longer.
“The controversy has rumbled on for almost 3 months but we seem to be further than ever from the root cause of horsemeat finding its way into Irish beef burgers. It now appears that t he prevalence of horsemeat in Irish beef burgers is more widespread than first outlined by the Minister. The conflicting stories coming from the Department of Agriculture and their Polish counterparts has done nothing to ease people’s fears.
“It is time for an independent investigation to be carried out by a person appointed by the Oireachtas to ascertain the full facts. The Minister has failed to adequately deal with this controversy, we seem to be receiving information in a piecemeal fashion and there is no coherence to Minister Coveney’s strategy.
“What we have been looking for here is clarity but sadly the opposite is coming from the Minister. Our international reputation is being jeopardised and we need to reassure customers everywhere that Ireland is dealing with this.”