Gildernew expresses concern at IFA position

Minister for Agriculture Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has expressed concerns at reports that the IFA have claimed to have secured commitments from Defence Minister Willie O'Dea that future defence contracts will be focused on "Irish companies".

This follows the awarding of a contract by his Department to Crossgar Poultry to supply chickens to the Defence Forces in the south.

The Minister said: "I am extremely disappointed at the position being adopted by the IFA on this matter. Crossgar is as Irish as Clonmel and I am disappointed at the discriminatory attitude of the IFA to this issue. They are also ignoring the all Ireland nature of the company involved which has plants north and south.

"I will be contacting Minister O'Dea to clarify his position on this matter and to ensure that all the appropriate EU regulations to this issue will be upheld."

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