Bord Bia Chair must account to PAC on conflict of interest – Bennett
Sinn Féin is ramping up pressure on Bord Bia as Deputy Cathy Bennett insists the state agency must face the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The call follows the board passed a vote of confidence in embattled chair Larry Murrin who has been embroiled in controversy since it emerged his company, Dawn Farms, using some Brazilian beef in its meat products.
“People were rightly shocked to learn that the Chairperson of Bord Bia, who are responsible for promoting Irish produce across the world, was through his role as a Managing Director of food processing company, utilising Brazilian beef in the products they supply," Deputy Bennett said.
Dawn Farms said Brazilian beef made up less than one per cent of its overall supply last year.
Deputy Bennett's call comes as farmers continue to stage a round-the-clock, sit-down protest, outside Bord Bia's offices in Dublin since Monday of last week. They are also calling for Larry Murrin to resign his position on the board.
Cavan farmers are due to lead the protest on Saturday, February 7, from 5-11pm; while their Monaghan counterparts will take up the baton on Monday, February 9, from 11pm through to Tuesday morning, February 10, at 6am.
“We now know that the chairperson failed to secure unanimous support from his board when they met. At a time of international economic uncertainty, the work of Bord Bia in support of diversifying markets for Irish produce has perhaps never been more important,” Deputy Bennett said.
The elected representative went on to say that the credibility of the board, and its chair, is paramount.
“Irish producers should not be reliant upon a house divided to advocate for their livelihoods, and it is hard to see at this time how the chairperson’s role remains tenable,” said Deputy Bennett.
Observing that the Department of Agriculture is scheduled to appear before the Committee within the coming weeks, Deputy Bennett has written to the Cathaoirleach of the PAC requesting Bord Bia’s attendance.
“There is need now for absolutely transparency and accountability to restore confidence – if Bord Bia wish to be a part of that process, their attendance at the PAC is a prerequisite,” Deputy Bennett concluded.