Caít Keane (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator O'Neill. I will speak quickly but I have something important to say on the food legislation. Senator Feargal Quinn spoke about one type of technology, the GM. I will speak about another type of technology that is not mentioned in the report, that is, nanotechnology and its application in the food sector and particularly for the consumer.

Nanotechnology is the science of engineering materials at the Nanoscale. It is viewed by the food industry as a means of enhancing food safety and nutrient bioavailability with some examples already available on the market, albeit not in Ireland but it is coming fast. In 2008 the Food Safety Authority of Ireland carried out a report on nanotechnology and its potential future applications in Ireland and food packaging. It made a series of recommendations on nanotechnology to ensure that consumer safety is protected in regard to development in this area. The report identifies potential benefits for the consumer and manufacturers from nanotechnology which excludes extending the shelf life of products as well as the possible effects of the food chain and the recognised gaps in our knowledge base on this issue. There is therefore, as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has said, a need to ensure that regulatory or legislative controls are adequate to safeguard human health.

Nanotechnology is expected to offer immense potential for future product development. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland further states that, while there are no foods currently on the Irish market that incorporate nanotechnology, policies should be devised now in advance of their arrival. They are coming in on the Internet but we do not have any legislation in that area. The report, which was compiled by our own food safety authority, recommends legislation on an EU scale.

We should look at what is best for Ireland and welcome with open arms the new technology that will benefit the country. It is referred to in some areas as the intelligence of the good. A role in the development of intelligent food packaging will provide a greater degree of traceability of products. This is where nanotechnology comes in.

All of those developments are in place and we should be legislating or preparing to legislate for them. For example, nanostructured metal films and coatings can strengthen bottles and other plastic wrappings materials and the incorporation of nanocensors into food packaging material will allow for the detection of contaminants such as harmful bacteria in food, which many speakers have mentioned, and their surroundings in the environment. As it affects the environment, we could trace the packaging through nanotechnology. I ask the Minister to do something on that issue.