Unusually, Deputy Upton is being a little hard on the Department. I established the food labelling group in 2000, which was long before the outbreak of avian influenza in Thailand. Last year I initiated a consumer survey to determine consumer attitudes to food labelling. The food labelling group made 36 recommendations, which I have implemented in so far as I could. For example, the Food Safety Authority is now a one-stop shop for the enforcement of regulations. Previously the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment helped the Department of Agriculture and Food and a multiplicity of Departments had some responsibility.
While I would like to see the issue of beef for consumption in restaurants and the catering industry addressed at the earliest opportunity, it is beyond my reach. It is a matter for the Commission to ensure that people know the origin of beef on menus in various catering establishments. The Commission has promised a report on this matter by March. I hope we will be able to also address this matter, as the vast majority of consumers want to know the origin of food they purchase whether in retail outlets or catering establishments.
The Irish poultry industry is sizeable and concentrated. It exports about €120 million of produce per annum. As we produce about 140,000 tonnes, it is well worth promoting. I agree with the Deputy in that it needs to use the most up-to-date technology and offer consumer cuts and the most convenient products possible. The industry is subject to imports that are relatively cheaper than Irish produce. However, the vast majority of consumers would like to get Irish poultry if they could get it in a convenient way.
We import about 46,000 tonnes, which is controlled by rigorous regulation. I agree with the Deputy that the industry needs to be given assistance and I will raise the matter with Enterprise Ireland, which is the relevant body for supporting and developing the industry here.