The Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness has expressed concerns over calls for a regulator for Ireland’s meat industry. The suggestion was made by the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association. It comes in the midst of the dispute between farmers and the meat industry with the farmers unhappy with the prices they’re getting for their animals from meat factories. However Ms McGuinness says the creation of a meat regulator could lead to an ‘overly bureaucratic’ agricultural industry.  

Out words: Overly bureaucratic

Dur: 36 seconds

The EU will not compromise on its food safety standards in negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement with the US. During the on-going discussions on the agreement, also known as the TTIP, food safety has become a sensitive issue. The US is looking for more harmonisation of rules with the EU, on issues such as crops containing Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs. However Mairead McGuinness, Fine Gael MEP for the Midlands North West constituency says there will be no concessions on EU food safety laws.

Out words: not on those

Dur: 28 seconds

MEPs in the European Parliament are looking to create a legal basis for EU countries to ban or restrict production of crops containing Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs.The Environment Committee of the European Parliament yesterday voted to extend flexibility for EU countries, such as Ireland, to ban GMO crops. The vote came amid concerns that an agreement between the EU and US on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or TTIP could have implications for EU rules on GMOs.  Lynn Boylan, Sinn Fein MEP for Dublin says creating a “ strong legal footing” for EU members to prohibit GMO production is very important.

Out words: Basis for rejection

Dur: 32 seconds