The Taoiseach will be aware of the concern for many years among farming families in relation to food labelling which was articulated again last week by one of the main farming organisations.

Will the Taoiseach indicate when the consumer and competition Bill is expected to come before the House? It is of great importance that people are aware of what they are consuming, particularly in the food sector.

Food labelling that serves to inform consumers of the properties of prepackaged food is governed by harmonised EU rules. While the Minister for Health has overall responsibility for general food labelling legislation, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland have an important role in the labelling of food. The FSAI has published guidelines which provide an overview of the legislative requirements for the documentation and labelling of all meats, including beef, and I understand that material is currently under review. I will send the up-to-date information to the Deputy.