Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúil dos na Seanadóirí a ghlac pairt sa díospóireacht fíor-thábhachtach seo. Beidh mé ag cur san áireamh na pointí éagsúla a chur siad os comhair an tSeanaid inniu.

I thank Senators from all sides for their contributions to this important debate on food safety and health promotion, for which I have responsibility. There is considerable consensus on the issues discussed, particularly on ensuring the consumer is fully protected and informed. One of the most important issues raised was food labelling and the potential for misleading labelling. Central to the issue of labelling is that the consumer should not be misled and that labels should provide clear, understandable information that will inform consumers and allow them to make appropriate choices. There should be no question of labelling deceiving the public. I will immediately investigate such suggestions if they are brought to the attention of my Department. Misleading information is unacceptable and, in the context of the recast of EU labelling regulations which I mentioned earlier, Ireland will be pressing to ensure the issue of misleading, or potentially misleading, labelling is addressed. We should not, however, adopt a siege mentality. We should not lose sight of the fact that Ireland is a major food exporter and we have no national interest in undermining the concept of international trade in foodstuffs.

Many speakers raised the importation of beef, in particular Brazilian beef, and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Coughlan, has a particular interest in this issue. She has actively pursued the matter with the EU Commission and will continue to do so. Senators referred to the FVO report, as a result of the March mission to Brazil, which was made available yesterday. I look forward to reading this report, which is welcomed by the Government, Deputy Coughlan and me. Deputy Coughlan said it would be helpful in the overall process of ensuring equivalence.

Senators raised a number of points that do not fall within my remit but I will ensure that the Minister is fully briefed on these. The gluten-free issue was raised and this is significant, given the high level of coeliac disease in this country. This issue will be discussed at next week's Codex meeting and Irish officials will be putting proposals to address the problem of potentially misleading information being given to those who have this condition.

GMOs were mentioned in the House and in my speech. Government policy is being re-evaluated and I suggest we await the outcome of this process. This re-evaluation will be completed soon. It is being co-ordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach through a senior officials group of EU affairs. It will then be considered by the relevant Ministers. The question of food contact materials falls in the remit of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and I will ensure the concerns expressed will be brought to his attention.

I concur with the points on obesity and diabetes. These are emerging health issues with significant potential consequences for many people. One of the key issues is exercise and physical activity, and we are fortunate that throughout this country we have a wide network of voluntary clubs in which people give their time and commitment to ensuring that children and young people have ready access to sport. I do not have to convince Members of this House of the tremendous investment by the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism over recent years. Even more important is the investment of resources, time and effort by many voluntary organisations throughout the country. If that were to be converted into euro it would total many millions. It complements the investment by the State. I commend the positive contribution of those voluntary organisations to our society and to the health and welfare of our children. Long may we continue to benefit from this voluntary aspect of our society. Various issues were raised, particularly the availability of sports facilities in schools, as requested. I will bring that to the attention of the Minister for Education and Science.

I do not have to outline for the House the major capital investment that has been made in education in recent years. Integral to all these developments is the necessity to provide sports facilities in all schools. Reference was also made to the importation of vegetables to Ireland. Of course, we would prefer import substitution, however, this does not lie with the Government alone but with the private sector. We would like to think we could substitute for many items that are imported.

Senators referred to the food pyramid. I was very impressed by the food pyramid and the suggestions made by the Department. We should familiarise ourselves with the pyramid and try to prevail on others, particularly our young people, to eat the type of food that is best for them and thus ensure they may not suffer from obesity and its effects.

We are victims of the success of our economy. While the Government, the Department and State agencies can advise, each is responsible for his or her health and parents have a major responsibility to ensure healthy food is provided for children.

In conclusion, I am pleased to have the opportunity to address the House on the important topic of food safety and health promotion. Members can be assured that while I was out of the House, I listened attentively to the contributions. I thank Members for their contributions and I look forward to further debate in the future.