asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when he intends to put into practice the statutory regulations relating to the growing and sale of potatoes.
Written Answers. - Growing and Sale of Potatoes Regulations.
20.
The Registration of Potato Growers and Potato Packers Act, 1984 came into force on 7 October, 1985 and already a total of 1,139 persons have registered with the Department under the Act.
The Department also operates regulations under the Food Standards Act, 1974, which prescribe grading and quality standards for potatoes. These regulations are operated diligently and there have been 19 prosecutions for breaches of them over the last four years. I am satisfied that the regulations contribute effectively to raising the quality standards of Irish potatoes.