A total of €1.5 million has been provided in the Estimates for 2004 in respect of seafood processing. This funding will assist a range of developments such as increased production, enhanced product quality, optimum use of raw material and improve competitiveness both nationally and abroad. I have ensured that a further significant allocation of funding in respect of this sector will be provided in the 2005 Estimates.
Since July 2003, in accordance with the requirements of Council Regulation No. 104/2000 (EC), a labelling system giving traceability information in respect of a wide range of seafood and aquaculture products has been in operation in Ireland under the terms of SI No. 320 of 2003. I presume the Deputy is referring to further developments in Community legislation in this area. Regulation (EC) 178/2002, which comes into effect on 1 January 2005, provides in broad terms for the introduction of a mandatory traceability system in respect of animal food and feed in general. A further five related regulations and directives, the most relevant of which come into effect on 1 January 2006, set out detailed requirements in this regard.
The precise implications of these new requirements for the various food sectors are currently under examination. My Department is liaising with the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of Health and Children so as to ensure that the necessary arrangements in respect of the seafood sector are developed and introduced on a co-ordinated basis within the comprehensive legal and practical framework that will apply to food in general.
