Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I apologise for not being present for the Minister of State's contribution but I have read with interest his considered contribution. While we are winning the debate on food safety, we are probably losing the debate on food quality. It is important to differentiate between food safety and food quality. Many national and EU regulations govern the safety of food. Ireland is a food-producing and exporting nation and therefore the question of food quality must be considered. Obesity levels among Europeans, particularly the young, has been the subject of debate. The problem is also evident in Ireland. This debate must be taken to a higher level and the problem must be responded to. The quality of the food being produced should be at the core of the response to the question of the Irish and European diet.

The Minister of State represents a rural constituency and will be aware of the debate about the future of agriculture. European Union policies are changing dramatically and the future of farming is in question. If Irish agriculture is to have a future, there needs to be an emphasis on the quality of food being produced on Irish farms. The traditional small Irish family farm can play a significant role in the improvement of the quality of food which is served not only in Irish but also in European restaurants. The issues of the future of Irish farming and the maintenance of small family farms should be grouped with the issue of improving the quality of Irish food.

From any scientific perspective, there is more than sufficient regulation of food safety. Food safety legislation passed some years ago gave strong powers to the then health boards, now the Health Service Executive, which resulted in more monitoring of food outlets, restaurants, takeaways and food production units.

Many people are of the opinion that the regulations and food safety guidelines which are in place and which stem from European legislation and regulation are being enforced more strictly here than in some member states. I refer in particular to the French and the Italians. Any visitor to those countries will report that there appears to be a different standard governing the presentation and sale of food in local country markets and small shops. Ireland has responded in full and perhaps almost to an over-regulated degree. All the European directives have been complied with.

The debate should now move on to the question of food quality. If Ireland ensures that its farming community produces food of the highest quality, we can be sure that the food in question is safe. If modern methods of food production are implemented and there is investment in alternative agriculture, the maintenance of small farms and the production of significantly greater amounts of organic food, we will be doing more than our fair share for food safety and food quality.

I ask the Minister of State to consider these points. He has responsibility for food safety but an important factor must be food quality and food production and the maintenance of the family farm. Ireland can build up a niche market. I ask the Minister of State to engage in dialogue with the Department of Agriculture and Food to bring forward proposals in that regard.