Vol. 496 No. 6
326 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress, if any, he has made in relation to the implementation of Regulations (EC) No. 258/97 and 1139/98 regarding labelling requirements for novel foods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23939/98]
As the Deputy will be aware, a European Union regulation is directly applicable to and binding on all member states. Regulation (EC) No. 258/97 came into effect on May 15 1997 while Regulation (EC) No. 1139/98 came into effect on September 1 1998.
Arrangements for the implementation in Ireland of these measures are under way and will be completed as soon as ongoing technical discussions in this area at EU level are completed.
