asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware of a statement (details supplied) made on 4 June 1980, that Ireland was the easiest country in the EEC into which to export food, and that food is allowed into this country without any assurance of the conditions under which it is made, while we insist on very high levels within our own country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The statement was not in the terms mentioned by the Deputy. On the occasion in question it was stated that "Ireland is one of the easiest countries in which to import food". I am not in a position to say to what extent this statement may or may not be accurate, but I should like to point out that imported foodstuffs are subject to inspection to ensure that they are suitable for human consumption and conform with relevant national compositional or other standards.

Is the Minister aware that there has been a very dramatic increase in food imports causing serious problems both to our balance of payments and to the farming community? Has he any plans to initiate a campaign through the Irish Goods Council to encourage more consumption by Irish people of Irish-produced food?

This is an on-going process. I am aware that there has been an increase in imports. I feel, however, that imports would have been far greater but for the efforts of the Irish Goods Council supported by the retail trade. Last year alone there were 2,500 individual exhibitions and fairs run by the Irish Goods Council in co-operation with the retail trade in an effort to support Irish goods.