Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 165: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when there will be a comprehensive labelling scheme within the catering trade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24581/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Regulations recently signed by the Tánaiste entitled Health (Country of Origin of Beef) Regulations 2006 (S.I. no. 307 of 2006) provide that with effect from 3 July next, catering establishments will be required to indicate on their menus or in another appropriate form, the country of origin of beef which is served. The making of these regulations was facilitated by existing traceability of beef arrangements under the European Communities (Labelling of Beef and Beef Products) Regulations 2000 (S.I. no. 435 of 2000).

While enabling legislation passed by the Oireachtas in March of this year also facilitates the extension of country of origin labelling to all meats, due to different systems of traceability and some import/export complexities, it is not as straightforward as it is for beef. There are no plans at present to extend the country of origin of beef requirements to other meats but the matter will be kept under review.