Vol. 491 No. 3
114 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether it is useful for consumers if packaging on goods, particularly, foodstuffs, should by law, state the country of origin of the products and so enable consumers to make a discerning choice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11895/98]
Origin marking in respect of a wide range of imported goods was a legal requirement in Ireland until 1985 when the legislation was revoked. This move followed a notification by the European Commission of its intention to commence infringement proceedings against Ireland, under the Treaty of Rome, in the European Court of Justice. The reintroduction of mandatory origin marking measure would be in breach of our international trade obligations.
