Phil Prendergast (Labour)

There are no risks from non-organic food, and perhaps only marginal benefits, if the proper procedures are followed. If research should establish, and it has not yet been done, that there is a more beneficial nutrient in organic carrots than in regular carrots, for example, what will we do? Everyone does not eat the same amount of carrots and therefore quantity of intake is also a factor. Nutrients can be picked up from numerous origins — it is about the overall dietary intake of nutrients — but obesity is becoming endemic. I recall going into Clonmel High School to talk to the boys about diet, exercise and healthy living. It had quite an impact. I advised them that instead of having a breakfast roll at lunch time, they should try fresh meat or salad produce. The shopkeeper who supplied the breakfast rolls was not too pleased.

What safeguards or controls are in place? Can anybody remember when the character Dinny Byrne in "Glenroe" decorated the eggs with straw? That type of thing occurs and we must monitor it. The product might not always be as fresh as is claimed. There must be greater controls to protect the organic consumer. There is no such thing as bad food. In a properly regulated environment all food should be safe for human consumption. Food is good. The key to healthy living will always be a balanced diet with due attention to the need for exercise.

I am in favour of farmers' markets. The more there are, the better. Every encouragement should be given to their development, and work is being done in that regard by bodies such as Bord Bia, the Leader programme and various Departments. Most of the work locally, however, is carried out on promotion and that is done almost entirely through voluntary effort at local level. We cannot undervalue the level of voluntary effort being made throughout the country. It is to be lauded and applauded. Some form of direct support should be made available to the people organising the markets for advertising through the local media. It would be a great assistance to them, even though there is usually great awareness among local people of when the markets are being held.

We should expand the markets but not make them elitist. In addition, they should not only be for organic produce. Consumers should be able to make their choice.