asked the Minister for Agriculture the standards in operation under the Food Standards Act and those which are under consideration and likely to be made within the next two years; the method of enforcement of existing standards; and the agency responsible for their enforcement and the prosecution of offences against existing standards.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food Standards Act.
4.
Four regulations specifying food standards have been made under the 1974 Act. These relate to (i) certain sugars (ii) cocoa and chocolate products (iii) honey and (iv) potatoes.
It is not possible at this stage to say what further standards might be prescribed within the next two years.
Following discussions between my Department and the other Departments concerned, the preparation of regulations for enforcement of the standards relating to the first three products mentioned is at an advanced stage and the agencies responsible for enforcement will be specified in these regulations. My Department is responsible for enforcement of the standards relating to potatoes.
Would the Minister not agree that it is useless to make regulations or lay down standards if there is no provision for their enforcement, and would he not agree that enforcement proceedings should have been instituted under section 4 of the Food Standards Act, 1974, simultaneously with the making of the regulations in regard to standards? Why has this delay occurred?
There are three Departments involved—Health, Industry, Commerce and Energy and Agriculture —and I understand that there has been some conflict as to which should enforce the regulations.
Would the Minister not agree that it is the Government's job to resolve any conflict which may exist between Departments and it is no excuse for the Government to plead that Departments they allege have control cannot agree?
Is the Deputy imparting information now rather than seeking it?
Steps will be taken.
When?
Within the next few months. It is important that consultations should take place in the interests of all concerned.
The Minister is in charge.
One has to get agreement.