Vol. 519 No. 4
25 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to bring greater coherence and clarity into the various food quality assurance schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13745/00]
In response to the many concerns expressed in various fora and reports about the proliferation of quality schemes in the food sector the food quality schemes review group was recently established under the aegis of my Department. The group is chaired by Professor Joe Buckley, University College Cork, and comprises representatives of all relevant interest groups. Its terms of reference are: to review schemes currently in operation in the light of the future requirements of consumers and the food industry; to examine the accreditation procedures applying to each scheme; and to make appropriate recommendations.
The group commenced its work at the end of February and is expected to report by the end of this year.
