Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I asked a particular question and received a particular reply. I cannot say anything definitive in a legal vacuum and without the availability of the legal texts. I have asked the sugar beet representatives to wait until 20 and 21 February when we will be a position to be definitive on that matter.

Food labelling is of great importance. Consumers need to be provided with full information on foodstuffs and that is why the food labelling group was introduced. Nineteen of the group's 21 recommendations, many of which went beyond the remit of my Department, have been activated with a number of others to be completed. We all agree the issue of substantial transformation must be addressed. I have not received much support at European level on this matter but I have restated my concerns, particularly to Commissioner Kyprianou. Despite the lack of EU legislation, we introduced a Bill in the House and, hopefully, the matter will be finalised as quickly as possible. There are concerns about products imported into the Community and I have raised them with the Commission. I am sure we will get as much political support as possible to address consumer and producer concerns.

Agriculture and the agrifood sector is in a period of major transition but it is vitally important to Ireland. I will provide a broad framework for the future development of agriculture and in tandem with farmers, State agencies, my Department and I look forward to developing the full potential of this important industry in the coming years.

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