Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Sherlock's question is very comprehensive. Regardless of which side of the House Members come from we all support country of origin labelling. Some years ago, the Department of Health and Children, the lead Department with regard to labelling since it is the health directorate in Europe that deals with this matter, put proposals directly to the Commission on sheep meat and poultry meat. Unfortunately, those proposals did not progress. There is divided opinion in Europe but it is my judgment that there are more people in Europe now conscious of the need for an adequate and transparent labelling system than there would have been some years ago.

Recently, the Tánaiste dealt with questions in regard to the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority and in respect of a voluntary code of practice pending the realisation of a statutory code. This is very important because there is a great disappointment especially among producers and some processors about the unfair returns along the food chain. The necessary transparency is not there.

I was very pleased that the new agriculture Commissioner recently referred to the fact that he sought adequate returns for the primary producer and processor as well. He stated he would work with the competition Commissioner, Mr. Almunia, in that respect. European Union legislation is absolutely necessary.

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