Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I refer to the matter raised by Senator Leyden. I support the call for a debate with regard to that harmful, disastrous colorant. My understanding is that it is used in over 400 products.

The production of own brands must cease or, failing that, they must be governed by legislation. Traceability is of paramount importance with regard to what each of us is eating. Own products mean bland packaging and the consumer knowing nothing. One manufacturer can produce many own brands for different stores and nobody knows where anything comes from. It is important that this practice cease.

I raised the issue of savings in the past couple of weeks and the Leader kindly responded. We have since read about the matter of SSIAs. The Minister for Finance made a statement a few days ago that he did not envisage any further scheme, but it is important that savings be further encouraged and that those funds be allowed into pension funds, PRSAs and whatever pension scheme a person has. That is also of paramount importance. Perhaps the Leader would use her good offices in that regard, or perhaps the Minister will be in the House shortly.