Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)

With the era of the single farm payment beginning, it is appropriate that the House is debating the issue. The single farm payment will focus farmers' attention on providing products for the marketplace. Their ability to sell their produce will be the determining factor as to whether they continue with certain products. It is time for the Minister for Agriculture and Food to take a fresh look at the status quo to determine what new or enhanced measures need to be put in place to cater for the new regime.

The motion calls for the implementation of a clear and transparent quality food labelling system for consumers. Food labelling in a clear and concise manner will be the reference for consumers to determine which foods to purchase. It should contain references to volume, nutritional composition and identify where the foodstuff was produced or processed. It is essential that a labelling system be provided that fully informs the consumer so that he or she can make a decision when purchasing food produce. Research has shown how important proper labelling of foodstuff is to the consumer. Half the population have indicated that it is the issue of greatest concern to them.

The Government has a sovereign right to provide the level of health protection it deems appropriate. Food labelling has an important role to play in health protection. A certain labelling regime already applies. However, it is unacceptable that there is no detailed labelling system applicable to beef served in restaurants and catering establishments. This is not good for the health of the consumer. Consumers should know that the beef products they eat are Irish. It is unacceptable that products imported from Brazil can be repackaged in Ireland to be sold on as Irish products. The Minister must address these issues. The consumer is entitled to protection in this area.

Identification and traceability of Irish beef is well advanced. However, the same intensive documentation of traceability and country of origin is not available for all imports. The practice where a product's main ingredient can be imported and undergo substantial transformation to then become an Irish product is unacceptable, dishonest and misleading. The Minister for Agriculture and Food should rectify this unacceptable practice. It may be covered by EU legislation. However, it is in the consumers' interest for the Minister to change this.

Due to the recent changes brought about by the Fischler proposals, we are entering a new regime that will be for the better as production will be related to demand. However, the Minister owes it to the farming community to lead the way, in conjunction with all relevant agencies, to identify opportunities, direct energies and refocus efforts to ensure that the agrifood industry reaps the maximum benefits from this new regime.

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