Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

When I was at school many years ago, a small lunch system was in place in schools even though the economy was not very strong. It consisted of bread, marmalade and cocoa but at least young people who may not have had the financial means to have a full meal were given something to sustain them.

The delay in warning the public should be investigated. I hope the product has been removed from the shelves of supermarkets throughout the country. I am concerned about GM products and the methods used for the preservation of imported fruit. This may look very well but the method of preservation can sometimes be questionable. Health officers should be more active in respect of the food sold in fast food outlets.

I thank the Minister of State and his officials for coming to the House to put forward the Government's case. It is in the national interest that his Department actively pursues all such issues concerning the quality of food products.