IRISH VIEWS ON FAO/WHO CODEX ALIMENTARIUS

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBLIN 000339 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/11/2018 TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO KPAO EI SUBJECT: IRISH VIEWS ON FAO/WHO CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON REF: STATE 50336 ¶1. ECONOFF delivered reftel demarche on June 9, 2008 to Richard Howell, Head of the Research, Food, and Codex Coordination Division of the Department of Agriculture. Howell said that the Irish government was still considering its position regarding the chairpersonship. He said that there has been a collective discussion among EU Member States, although each Member State will be free to vote as it pleases. He noted that at the EU level there has been "much talk" that a candidate from the developing world might be appropriate. However, Howell did not offer any names. That said, the Irish are well aware of the qualifications of Dr. Hulebak and believe she would be an excellent choice for the position. FOLEY