Broadcaster to head consumer panel

RTÉ broadcaster Marian Finucane has been appointed chairperson of the Department of Agriculture and Food Consumer Liaison Panel in succession to Mairead McGuinness, the recently elected MEP.

Minister Joe Walsh, who announced the appointment yesterday, said he established the CLP in 2002 to facilitate and strengthen communication between consumers and his department. The consumer view is vital in the development of a progressive multi-functional agriculture encompassing not alone food production but food safety, food quality, environmental and animal welfare issues, he said.

The CLP consists of representatives of the Consumers Association of Ireland, Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Irish Countrywomen’s Association, the voluntary and community sector platform and representatives of the consumer base of the major food retail outlets.