James Leonard
Ceist:1 Mr. Leonard asked the Taoiseach the percentage of poultry meat consumed here which is currently imported; the extent of the increase in imports over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20109/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Poultry Meat Imports.
It is estimated that 20 per cent of poultry meat consumed here in 1994 was imported. The estimates for 1995 will be available shortly and will be forwarded to the Deputy.
The quantity of poultry meat imported in 1995 was 6.3 per cent higher than in 1994.
Does the Minister of State accept that the figure of 20 per cent highlights that the Food Safety Board should have a mandate in respect of imported as well as home produced food? While we have correctly focused on the consumer's right to proper hygiene and food safety, the emphasis is only on home produced products. Does the Minister of State accept that a similar emphasis should be placed on our rapidly increasing food imports and that the Food Safety Board should play a role in protecting consumers' rights in terms of imported foodstuffs?
As the question is essentially statistical, the matter of policy does not arise. The Deputy is seeking to extend out of all proportions the subject matter of the question. That cannot be allowed.