Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
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I welcome the emphasis on labelling and on the need to differentiate in respect of what is made and produced here. Mr. Kelly referred to the importance of innovation. One of the innovations I have witnessed in the area in which I live - I believe this to be the case in all rural areas - is the emergence of farmers markets. Approximately 18 months ago there was a major brouhaha with regard to whether raw milk could be sold. This was symptomatic of something greater. I grew up on a farm and when the hens laid too many eggs, the excess were sold to a local shop. That shop is no longer there but if it were and if we sold our excess eggs to it, I am of the view that both parties would be fined.

There are extensive health and safety regulations in place and anyone who makes pork pies, apple pies or whatever and sells them at a farmers market must, in theory, comply with those regulations. The great majority of the regulations are not adhered to by most people. How could one possibly comply with them if one is baking or whatever in one's own kitchen? Surely there ought to be a voluntary assumption of risk whereby it must be stated that pies sold at, for example, farmers markets are not produced by a commercial enterprise or that one's eggs were not produced by hens kept in a battery. I accept that I am being slightly facetious in saying so but some such batteries resemble factories. If one accepts that certain foods or whatever are not produced by a commercial enterprise and that the relevant hygiene standards do not apply, then one is accepting the risk involved. Said risk is the same as that which obtains in respect of raw milk. Should a differentiation be made and should consumers be able to choose? It is clear that foodstuffs, etc., presented at farmers markets elsewhere throughout Europe have been produced. The states involved do not, on the face of it, appear to be as preoccupied - as is increasingly the case in this country - with closing down small businesses which demonstrate a modicum of innovation. Perhaps as larger businesses go bust they concentrate their efforts on smaller ones.