Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

I refer to the need for a competitive edge as Irish producers and EU members within the food chain. What is the position of the negotiations at the Commission on policy in respect of food labelling especially on the matter of country of origin, but also the place of farming and the origin of the produce? While serving as Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, I had the opportunity when deputising for the Minister, Deputy Harney, at the December 2008 meeting of the Council of Ministers to raise the issue of the country of origin and food labelling. At the time, the Commission indicated it would take until the end of 2009 before the information would be returned from it. What is the position now? Is the Minister satisfied with progress on this issue? It is in the interest of Irish producers that we maintain a competitive edge as EU members working in a global economy. I would welcome the Minister's response on the matter.

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