Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Naughten for raising this issue. I know it is something for which he has been a very strong advocate. I am confident that the food safety controls and traceability systems operated by the Department in co-operation with other relevant agencies, particularly the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, can provide assurances to consumers of Irish beef, wherever they are in the world, that the highest standards of safety and traceability are upheld and enforced here. With regard to traceability in particular, the national bovine herd already has a robust traceability system, namely, the Department's animal identification and movement system, which records and maintains identification and movement data on cattle and other livestock in accordance with the requirements of EU and national law.

As for the blockchain concept and its applicability to the beef sector, I agree this technology certainly has potential for the future and I can see its merits. Some sectors are further advanced than others in examining the benefits such a blockchain approach could bring. It is important we examine all options open to us to future-proof the sector. I have no current plans, however, to develop a State-owned and State-controlled blockchain in any sector. In the first instance, any proof of concept or feasibility analysis with respect to implementing a blockchain in the beef supply chain would need to be driven primarily by the sector supply chain actors to ensure appropriate buy-in and successful implementation. Second, in the context of my Department's regulatory role, I reiterate this already operates in full compliance with EU and national legislation, and it is unclear what additionality, if any, a blockchain could bring to these regulatory requirements.

More generally, the Deputy will be aware I have taken a number of important initiatives aimed at increasing transparency in the food supply chain. In September 2021, I signed into law a statutory instrument to give effect to additional price reporting obligations under the EU. Increased price reporting will be an important tool, along with other initiatives, in supporting primary producers. Last week, I brought the general scheme of the agricultural and food supply chain Bill to the Cabinet and received approval for it. That office will be established and functioning by the end of the year.

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