Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
243. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to strengthen governance in Bord Bia and to ensure the chair and board members of Bord Bia do not have commercial arrangements that cut across Bord Bia’s mission to promote Irish food and higher standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13245/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra244. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in light of recent controversy, the way in which he intends to protect the integrity and meaning of the Bord Bia quality mark, in order that consumers can have genuine confidence that it stands for something better than the minimum legal standards for imported meat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13246/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together.
On the Governance of Bord Bia, my Department is guided by both the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (the Code), and the Bord Bia Acts.
The Code provides a framework for the application of best practice in corporate governance by all State bodies, both commercial and non-commercial.
Appointments to the Board of Bord Bia are made in accordance with the Code, Bord Bia’s Governing Acts and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reforms - Guidelines on Appointment to State Bodies (November 2014).
All board members also complete conflict of interest returns annually.
I am satisfied that all requirements of the Code are being met at both appointment stage and during members terms on the board, and that these Governance arrangements fully protect the statutory role of Bord Bia.
In looking to resolve the current impasse in relation to Bord Bia, I convened a key stakeholder meeting for Friday 13 February. This meeting included a discussion on the specific issues concerning Bord Bia, where all participants had the chance to express their views.
As a result of these discussions, Bord Bia in consultation with my Department has committed to:
• Revisit the focus on farmer experiences with audits, as we move towards the end of the criteria review process in the Technical Advisory Committees.
• Establish a farmer forum on Quality Assurance Schemes to improve farmer engagement and two-way feedback on the work of Bord Bia.
• A dedicated information campaign, with stakeholder input, to better inform the general public about the Origin Green and Quality Assurance Schemes and what that means for consumers in Ireland and elsewhere.
My Department will also undertake an initiative to enhance understanding of global supply chains for Irish food and drink and an understanding of labelling and food information for the consumer requirements.
I have asked all parties to engage with this process in good faith, and to provide further feedback.
