Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 18 Dec 1991

Vol. 414 No. 9

Written Answers. - Goods Description Regulations.

Peter Barry

Ceist:

6 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will introduce legislation to ensure that goods are correctly described when put for sale or exported as for example (1) when salmon is described as "Irish Smoked Salmon", it should be required that the salmon is caught, processed and smoked in Ireland and (2) other goods, such as crystal.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. O'Malley)

I am satisfied that the existing legal provisions contain the necessary safeguards to regulate against false indications as to the origin of goods. I do not, therefore, propose to introduce any additional legislation in this area.

In relation to products generally, these existing provisions are contained in the Consumer Information Act, 1978, and the Merchandise Marks Acts. Indications as to the origin of foodstuffs are additionally provided for in the European Communities (Labelling, Advertising and Presentation of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 1982, as amended, generally referred to as the food labelling regulations.

Enforcement of this legislation is a matter for the director of consumer affairs.