Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I compliment him and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Smith, on taking effective and stern action on this major crisis.

The Minister of State's hope that organic food producers are recognised for their work and that restrictions on them are lifted as soon as possible is welcome. Organic farming is close to his heart and is something in which I have developed great faith. Given the increase in the number of old style country markets in every town in west County Cork, it is evident that organic farming is on its way back. Unfortunately, its economic viability is not strong and those farmers have a tough task, but the artisan and slow food industries must be promoted. Were there ever a catalyst for the promulgation of their types of food product, the current crisis has pointed us in the right direction. I welcome the fact that they will be set to one side. Sometimes, they are sneered at by large producers and multinationals, but the general public is rowing back towards such foodstuffs. This is evident from the crowds that attend markets in Schull, Skibbereen, Bandon and Kinsale each weekend.

The crisis surprised me. The Department took a hands on approach and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI, and other State agencies became involved. However, it is time for a single food safety authority with ultimate power and responsibility. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, could be doing something while the FSAI could be doing something else. There should be a single food safety authority in respect of all foodstuffs, from the land to the sea. In line with the old Latin maxim, delegatus non potest delegare, there should be no delegation or dereliction of duty. I support the FSAI, but it should be the final arbiter in terms of food. There should be no shilly-shallying or side-stepping by State agencies.