asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of the many complaints about the manner of the distribution of EC food to persons in need changes are planned in the operation of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
46.
Written Answers. - EC Food Scheme.
20.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will make a statement regarding the distribution of the EC food; and the steps which are being taken to deal with various problems which have arisen in this respect, including the uneven distribution pattern and the criteria for eligibility.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 46 together.
As was provided for in the EC legislation, release of food to the charitable organisations terminated yesterday. Accordingly the question of making alterations to the scheme does not arise. However, my Department will bring the experience gained in implementing the scheme to bear on any schemes of a similar nature which may arise in the future.
The arrangements for the distribution of free food to persons in need are subject to the relevant EC regulations. These regulations stipulated that the free food must be distributed through charitable organisations. My Department's role was to make the various food products available to such organisations where the latter were able and willing to distribute in accordance with EC requirements.
With regard to eligibility for the scheme, my Department's instructions to the charitable organisations were that they should apply their normal criteria for determining eligibility of individuals or families for the free food.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation of the excellent work carried out by the charitable organisations who participated in the scheme. Altogether, there were about 160 charitable organisations involved and this helped to ensure that the free food was made available in most parts of the country.