Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the Bord Bia survey indicating consumer preference for home-grown produce and her Department's acknowledgement of this fact she will take steps to ensure the country of origin is clearly stated on all food products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30086/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Bord Bia survey to which the Deputy refers in his question was undertaken by Bord Bia and included both qualitative and quantitative research into consumer attitudes to local food. The research was presented at the National Conference on Local Food, held in Mullingar on 13th November and organised by my Department and Bord Bia. The research will prove useful for local producers wishing to serve the local market, as it will provide an insight into consumer attitudes and behaviour regarding local produce.

To assist producers wishing to serve their local markets Bord Bia has also produced a guide entitled 'Selling Through Farmers' Markets, Farm Shops and Box Schemes in Ireland'. This guide, the first of its kind, provides practical and in-depth advice for small food producers to maximize the potential from these routes to market.

The Minister for Health and Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Health Services Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency.

EU beef labelling legislation requiring country of origin labelling of beef has been in place since September 2000. As this legislation did not cover beef sold by the catering trade I collaborated with the Minister for Health and Children to have national legislation enacted to require that all beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required to carry an indication of the country of origin. This legislation is enforced by the FSAI.

Regarding the labelling of poultrymeat, there are EU Regulations which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultrymeat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultrymeat to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.

In relation to other meats I have signalled my intention to have legislation brought forward to require the country of origin to be shown on poultrymeat, pigmeat and sheepmeat sold in the retail and catering sectors. A draft of such regulations was prepared by my Department and is currently being finalised by the Department of Health and Children. A public consultation process has taken place. Following consideration of any views received it will be necessary to submit the draft regulations to the European Commission for approval.

The EU Commission is currently reviewing the whole area of food labelling and in that context my Department contributed to Ireland's submission which was co-ordinated by the Department of Health and Children. Within this submission Ireland explained why it felt that origin labelling should be compulsory for all meat. As well as direct contact with the Commission on this I have also raised this matter in the Agriculture Council and I will continue to press for progress, as I believe consumers are entitled to full information on the origin of food products.