Peadar Tóibín to introduce Equitable Beef Pricing Bill to Dáil today

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD will introduce the Equitable Beef Pricing Bill to the Dáil at lunchtime today.

Ahead of introducing the Bill, An Teachta Tóibín stated:

"Aontú has been to the fore in supporting fair treatment and fair prices for beef farmers across the country.

"It is clear that the beef industry, as it currently constituted, is unsustainable. Beef farmers are selling their produce at below cost prices while a collection of processors and supermarkets multiples make astounding profits on the same product.

"In the current climate Irish agriculture is already facing great uncertainty and challenges, not least Phil Hogan's EU-Mercosur trade deal that will pave the way for the importation of cheap South American beef into the EU market. We are determined to stand up for Irish farmers who are already struggling to make a living as it stands. We are determined to stand up for economic justice.

"Aontú's Equitable Beef Pricing Bill aims to ensure that farmers will be given at least a break-even price for their produce. This is a very moderate proposition that is concerned with doing what is right by the Irish farming community and rural Ireland in general.

"We have been told by other parties that they will support the Aontú Bill. We hope that they stand by that commitment and work with us to see the Bill's passage into law."

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.