John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)

I echo the words of congratulations and compliments to the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Mary Coughlan. Since her appointment and based on her subsequent performance, I have heard nothing but positive vibes from all interested groups in the agriculture sector throughout the country. I also congratulate her two deputies in the Department, Ministers of State, Deputies Browne and Brendan Smith. They are doing a very fine job.

It would be remiss of me to speak to a motion on agri-food without mentioning the loss of 140 jobs in the past few days in west Limerick at Kantoher Food Products, part of the Kerry Group. I am extremely concerned for the 140 workers and the future markets for the 40 growers involved. I call on the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the relevant State agencies to put their heads together to ensure that, with the goodwill of the Kerry Group, we can resolve this crisis and find replacement jobs for these people.

The importance to the consumer of being in a position to make food consumption choices which best suit their circumstances and preferences is a vital element in today's market. An appropriate labelling system is a key element in this respect. The two main issues which emanated from the recommendation of the labelling group were the centralisation of enforcement in one agency and the definition of origin.

I very much welcome the centralisation of enforcement as well as the fact that the Food Safety Authority of Ireland is now responsible for the enforcement of labelling regulations. This will not only streamline the enforcement measures but it will also provide a one-stop shop for any complaints on incorrect labelling of food. The service contracts between the Food Safety Authority and other State bodies and the Department of Agriculture and Food have been amended to take account of this change in enforcement policy.

Food labelling, with the exception of fish, is now located in both the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Agriculture and Food in line with another recommendation of the food labelling group. There was full agreement within the food labelling group that consumers have a right to information on the origin of the meat they cook in their homes or eat out. I welcome this unequivocal recognition of the rights of consumers.

At the beginning of 2004, two regulations relating to the labelling of poultry meat were introduced. The first of these regulations requires poultry meat originating in a country outside the EU to bear an indication of the country of origin when offered for sale in a retail premises. The second requires information regarding class, price per unit of weight, condition and slaughterhouse details in respect of non-prepackaged poultry meat to be provided to the consumer.

EU regulations provide for a detailed labelling system for beef to be applied at retail sale, which is over and above the general labelling provisions. These regulations do not apply at restaurant and catering sector level. I hope the Minister can proceed with a legal requirement that country of origin must be displayed in respect of beef served on such premises. The legal options allowing for this development are currently being examined and any necessary legislation will be introduced as soon as possible.

On the food labelling issue in general, the primary aim is to protect consumer interests and to ensure the consumer is properly informed. Ireland is a major exporter of food and food products and there is a considerable volume of imports. Therefore, it is imperative that the same standards are applied to the labelling of foods in every sector and that a level playing field exists for the entire food industry.

I compliment the Minister for her leadership of a delegation of food and drink industry representatives to China as part of a recent wider trade mission. I understand that, while she was there, the Minister signed a pig meat protocol with the Minister for the Administration of Quality, Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, that will form the basis on which pig meat products from Ireland will be exported to China. This formal agreement will provide a framework within which actual trade in pig meat products will commence later in the year.

The Minister also raised the question of the lifting of the Chinese ban on beef products in official discussions with both the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Administration of Quality. During these discussions she emphasised that the control and supervision of food safety is afforded the very highest priority in Ireland and that the Government is committed to the preservation of our status as a supplier of the highest quality products to international buyers.

She also addressed seminars in Beijing and Shanghai organised by her Department and Bord Bia, which were aimed at promoting Irish food and drinks in the Chinese market, providing assurance on the safety controls related to food production and details on the country's export capability.

I am glad to have had the opportunity to address the House and compliment the Minister on her performance in her office to date.

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