Clare's Labour TD has written to the European Commission, asking them to investigate what he says is anti-competitive practices in the Irish beef industry.
Deputy Michael McNamara, a qualified barrister, claims licensing laws for exporters are restrictive, and that they limit the number of boats in operation.
This, he says, then results in lower livestock prices in Ireland than in other EU member states and a situation that allows meat processors to effectively fix beef prices.
He's called on the Department to quickly examine the matter.
