Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 374: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to assist and expand the quality assurance schemes in the cereals, pigmeat and poultry sectors. [18152/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The poultry and eggs quality assurance schemes are working well and have helped to alleviate consumer concerns as regards the sourcing and quality of product. In excess of 80% of eggs sold at retail level are covered by the Egg Quality Assurance Scheme (QAS) which is accredited to EN45011 which is the European standard for bodies operating certification systems such as quality assurance schemes. This QAS is being currently updated to include hygiene legislation for both packers and producers. This year Bord Bia plans to upgrade the chicken QAS to EN45011. The Pigmeat QAS also operates under the provisions of EN45011 which includes independent inspection and certification. Bord Bia plan to increase the number of farmers who are participating in the pigmeat scheme.

The Irish Grain Assurance Scheme (IGAS) assures customers that grain is produced, handled, stored and transported according to a defined Code of Practice. Almost 6,000 cereals producers are now participating in the scheme, which accounts for approximately 90% of grain traded in Ireland. My Department is supportive of the scheme and has engaged in discussions with the Cereal Association of Ireland concerning their aim of achieving EN45011 accreditation for the scheme. Teagasc carries out assessments of merchant members of the scheme.