Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 474: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason she voted in the European Council on 22 May 2006, against making it a requirement for organic products obtained within the EU to carry the indication EU-Organic on labels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20888/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There was no vote taken at the European Council meeting on Monday 22 May 2006 on the organic sector proposal. The Presidency presented a progress report on the proposed organic regulation and conducted a policy debate on a number of issues. In relation to indications on organic products, I stated at the meeting that the proposal to make it obligatory to use either the logo or, in its absence, the words "EU-ORGANIC" was a positive development. However, I expressed concern at the proposal in relation to indications on third country imports. As the proposal stands at present, third country imports would not be required to identify the certification body in the country of origin, yet would be allowed to use the EU logo or indication "EU-ORGANIC". I will continue to take the line that, as a minimum requirement, the code number and/or name of the authority or control body of the third country should appear on the label.