The Minister has shown unrelenting commitment to the highest standards of food safety since he first came to the Department in 1987. Food safety is a non-negotiable element of the food production system. There can be no compromises in this regard. New food safety regulations being adopted at national and EU levels will strengthen existing controls. There is now a modern livestock traceability system for cattle in place. This has been extended to sheep and pigs. Under new legislation adopted by the EU earlier this year, traceability systems will have to be in place for all food and feed products by 2005.