Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

The Minister of State, Deputy Brendan Smith, said we have to have the issue of regionalisation in Brazil because we used it here when we had foot and mouth. The difference between Ireland and Brazil on foot and mouth is that if one animal left County Louth and went into County Monaghan the CMMS system would pick it up straight away. There is no CMMS system in Brazil, nor is there a tagging or traceability system there. Consumers in this country are shopping blindfolded as regards trying to get Irish food products. The Minister may clap herself on the back for introducing country-of-origin legislation, which I welcome, but it will only address beef. There is nothing in it about lamb, poultry or pigmeat, all of which is being abused and relabelled in this country, yet we see no action on it from the Minister.

As regards the sugar industry, one of the questions in the motion concerned clarity on the implementation of the restructuring levy and the distribution of the compensation package. The difficulty is that within the next few weeks farmers will have to decide whether they will grow beet this year. The Minister cannot provide answers.

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