Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 361: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will introduce a labelling system that will enable consumers to distinguish between high quality Irish fish and imported produce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19568/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Seafood Strategy — Steering a New Course 2007 sets down a vision for a sustainable profitable and self-reliant industry. The Strategy clearly recognises that the vision must revolve around developing a strong and positive identity for Irish seafood on the domestic market and in key international export markets. The development of such an identity will assist in positioning Irish seafood products at the upper end of the industry's targeted market.

BIM have been involved in progressing the Strategy's vision in terms of developing quality product schemes and encouraging industry wide participation and cooperation in promotional and marketing initiatives. Significant progress has been achieved with four of the main fishing cooperatives coming together under a single brand name. The April Brussels Seafood Show provided an opportunity for these cooperatives to meet buyers from key international markets and the initial feedback from the buyers was extremely encouraging. It is anticipated that other such developments will follow.