Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will apply country of origin labelling to horticultural products including garden centre plants. [29892/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Country of origin labelling is one of the requirements under the EC marketing standards for a range of fresh fruit and vegetables. In accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 1182/2007, which shall apply from 1 January 2008, all fresh produce covered by the reformed common organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables may only be sold to consumers if the country of origin is indicated. My Department carries out regular inspections of fresh fruit and vegetables to ensure that regulated produce offered to the consumer is accurately labelled.

Unlike the food items mentioned above, horticultural planting materials do not require a designation of origin. However certain species which pose particular plant health risks are traceable through the EU plant passport system. In addition all planting material from third countries must be covered by a phytosanitary certificate and be inspected on entering the Community.