Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Deputies will be aware that at EU level, a working group has been set up to consider changes to legislation in this area as part of the Commission's overall review of food labelling legislation. Ireland submitted its particular concerns on food labelling to the Commission as part of this process. It is intended the Commission will present the document produced by the working group to the European Parliament in December.

Both Departments will be working closely with the Commission on this issue and I have suggested that a regulation, rather than a directive, would be the most appropriate legislative tool. It would provide less scope for differing interpretations across member states.

It is clear there are many changes on the horizon for those involved in food control activity in Ireland. Most of these changes emanate from Brussels and the European Union has been and will continue to be the main driver of change in food safety. It is therefore important that Ireland continues to be an active participant in the decision-making process.

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