Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

While the issues raised in the course of this debate relate primarily to the responsibilities of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, it is appropriate, given my role as Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, with responsibility for food safety, that I reply to some of the issues raised. Rather than attempting to respond to all the points made, I will limit my contribution to a few issues of particular concern.

During this debate, the importance of good food information has been emphasised. The higher level of sophistication of the modern consumer, the greater health awareness of the general public, the increase in the number of products available on the Irish and international markets, and the continued globalisation of trade have all contributed to a greater need to ensure information is presented in a comprehensive, unambiguous manner. The necessity for well regulated labelling of foodstuffs has never been greater.

The Government recognises the importance of labelling. Both the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have produced a significant body of work in this area. In the past two years, four items of EU labelling legislation have been transposed. At national level, 2006 saw the enactment of primary legislation under which the beef-labelling requirements on country of origin were extended to the catering sector.

This year, there has been a consultation programme, culminating in draft national legislation on country of origin labelling. This legislation is intended to extend mandatory country of origin food labelling to sheep, pig and poultry meats. The Department of Health and Children is progressing this proposed legislation in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. It will, of course, be necessary to notify the draft legislation to the European Commission to allow the Commission and other member states an opportunity to comment.

While much work has been done in the area of labelling by Departments, it must be recognised that the industry has a responsibility as well.

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