asked the Minister for Health if it is proposed to appoint inspectors for the enforcement of regulations relating to clean food.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clean Food Regulations.
It is assumed that the Deputy refers to the appointment by local authorities of inspectors to enforce the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1950, the general provisions of which will come into operation on the 1st February next.
These regulations will be enforced by the health authorities through their appropriate medical officers, their health inspectors and through the veterinary inspectors of sanitary authorities, and it is not proposed to create a new category of officer for this purpose.
The main work of inspecting and reporting on food premises will devolve on the health inspectors, and local authorities generally have been urged to augment the number of such officers in their service so as to ensure a smooth and efficient administration of the regulations as soon as they are brought into operation.