Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State. I am delighted he could come before the House to discuss the extremely important issue of food safety. I welcome his assertion that the Government is going to promote agriculture into the future. Earlier today I read an EU report in which Ireland was commended for the way in which it carries out its business. Problems were identified in a number of countries but thankfully those who compiled the report were very happy with the way we operate. That is good news.

Food safety is crucially important. In light of the increase in the numbers of young people either returning to the land or attending agricultural colleges, we must ensure that our standards remain high. In the past we often complained that certain regulations were too rigorous. However, I have come to realise the importance of good regulations. As the Minister of State indicated, we export a great deal of what we produce to countries across Europe. If we do not have stringent regulations in place, we will lose these export markets. In view of the fact that the global population is increasing, a number of excellent opportunities exist for Ireland. It must be remembered that there are approximately 240,000 farm families in this country and that they all derive incomes from the land. In addition, there are upwards of 200,000 people employed in agriculture.

Traceability is often viewed as something which gives rise to a great deal of work for farmers. However, when farmers do what is necessary work and when they obtain a good price for their products, then they do not object to doing this work. As soon as a calf is born, a farmer must tag it within seven days. In addition, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food must be notified of the birth within 27 days in order that the animal can be registered. In my opinion, the census relating to our livestock is even better than that which is carried out in respect of the human population. The recent census of population was out by 100,000 but that would not happen in agriculture because the regulations which apply at farm level are so tight. We know, from month to month, the exact number of animals that are alive at any one time. It is also possible to know the number of animals that are processed through meat factories, etc. If a difficulty arises, it can be detected and dealt with very quickly by means of our laboratory systems. As a result, there is no threat to our exports into the future. That is an extremely positive development.

The position is the same in respect of sheep. From this year, electronic tagging will apply in respect of the breeding ewe flock. This will prove to be extremely worthwhile, particularly as we export a great deal of sheep meat. It is good, therefore, the relevant regulations are in place. Such regulations also apply in respect of pigs and poultry.

The Minister of State referred to animal welfare. As farmers, we take pride in looking after our animals in the best way possible. Indeed, we produce only the best. We are always seeking to upgrade the quality of our animals and, in that context, we are very careful with regard to the meal and feed we use, the way in which we administer antibiotics, etc. We keep records in respect of what we do. Many people may not be aware that inspectors from the Department visit farms and check the amount of antibiotics, feedstuffs, etc., that are on hand at any one time. In the overall context, this is good for the industry.

We work closely with the dairy and veterinary research laboratories and with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. It is important for farmers and ordinary people to know that if a mistake is made or if an individual farmer tries to do something that is not right, he or she can be penalised and his or her single farm payment cut. If he or she is involved in the rural environment protection scheme, REPS, or the agri-environment options scheme, AEOS, he or she also runs the risk of having his or her payment cut. These are serious penalties and, as a result, farmers are always extremely cautious with regard to how they operate. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland also works closely with the HSE and other health authorities. Again, if a difficulty arises, it can be detected and dealt with. Tight regulations apply in respect of meat factories. Veterinary inspectors visit these facilities and ensure that everything is working as it should be and that the relevant standards are being met. That which I have outlined is extremely positive in the context of the future of farming in Ireland. People across Europe and elsewhere can rest assured that farmers in this country produce to the highest standards.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland provides officials who help to man border inspection posts. Everyone is aware of the important role played by such posts during the outbreak of foot and mouth disease a number of years ago.

We were all very much involved in that and called at the time for an all-Ireland animal health policy, something we should consider for the future. An all-Ireland policy would ensure that Ireland, North and South, could deal with the problems we have on the island without reference to the Border or having to man the Border in the event of a problem. If the ports in Northern Ireland were all that had to be manned, the problem would be much easier to manage. This would unite us all even further and unite all involved in farming on the island of Ireland.

Food labelling is an important concern and it is crucial we have country of origin labelling on imported lamb, in particular, but also on pork and chicken. We have seen chickens brought in from places such as Thailand and the Middle East and then, once an additional process has been carried out on it, such as adding bread crumbs to it, it is labelled as Irish. That is unacceptable, particularly when we already have a good chicken and pork industry here. We need tighter labelling in this area. This would create more jobs, which is what it is all about. We must look at whatever will create jobs in Ireland so as to get our young people back working.

I was happy to hear the Minister of State mention organic production because some very poor land in County Leitrim is the home of The Organic Centre. This centre puts a number of students through its hands each year and trains them in organic production, mainly in the horticulture area. I look forward to working closely with the Minister and Minister of State in the future. It is important we keep adequate people in the sector to man the excellent industry we have and to keep producing the top-quality food we have been producing over the years.