North-South Ministerial Council

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Questions (451)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

451. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends, at the next North-South Ministerial Council meeting in Armagh on 10 July 2013 with his counterpart from Northern Ireland, the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle O'Neill MLA, to raise the issue of the falsification of potato seed labels in Northern Ireland that I have previously brought to his attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29055/13]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The details and background surrounding this issue were outlined in my correspondence with the Deputy on 22nd May. This matter relates to one incident where deficiencies were identified on the labelling of a consignment of seed potatoes originating in Northern Ireland. The issue is of a technical nature and was brought to the attention of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development in Northern Ireland at the time. Officials from my Department maintain regular contact with their Northern Ireland counterparts on a regular basis concerning such technical matters of common interest.