Republican News · Thursday 25 October 2001

Minister must intervene in Tralee Beef and Lamb crisis

Sinn Féin Councillor Martin Ferris has called on the Minister of Agriculture Joe Walsh to intervene in the crisis caused by the closure of Tralee Beef and Lamb.

Ferris expressed his support for the workers and farmers affected by the sudden closure of Tralee Beef and Lamb. "That a so-called beef baron can disappear, leaving a debt of £2.7 million behind him, not to mention an unemployed workforce of 80 people, is an absolute disgrace," the Kerry County Councillor said.

"Serious questions regarding accountability within the troubled beef sector have once again been raised. It is imperative to assist those deeply affected by this crisis and commit substantial funding to compensate the victims of this economic catastrophe.

"We need to see, as a matter of urgency, the introduction of legislation including a bond system guaranteeing protection in the event of a similar disaster in the future. The banks and other lending institutions, who were complicit in what occurred at Tralee Beef and Lamb, and with whom the farmers are rightly furious, must play their part in the resolution of this issue."