Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps being taken to promote fair trade fortnight both within and outside his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8352/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has only two small canteens and in the past year both canteens have introduced Fair Trade products. My Department encourages the use of Fair Trade products in these canteens and a large poster advertising Fair Trade products is on display for all staff to see.

As regards the agencies under the control of my Department, the Deputy may wish to know that last June my Department wrote to all of the agencies involved drawing attention to the importance of supporting Fair Trade products and asking, on my behalf, that consideration be given to the enhanced sale of Fair Trade products in the canteens, cafeterias or restaurants of those agencies. The replies received by my Department indicate support for this initiative and the majority of the agencies involved have indicated that they have introduced Fair Trade tea, coffee, sugar and other products for sale or were in the process of doing so. The recent media publicity associated with Fair Trade fortnight should ensure that Fair Trade products will be availed of in the canteens, cafeterias and restaurants of the agencies under the control of my Department and in the two small canteens of my Department.