asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the grave position of the flour confectioners and bakers industry; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that there is an average of one closure per month causing huge job losses and that much of the problem is caused by illegal bakers who are unregistered and working from unhygienic premises and who are not paying 25 per cent VAT; and the action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter.
Written Answers - Confectioners/Bakers Industry.
89.
Employment in the flour, confectionery and bakery industry has been declining due to closures and rationalisation.While some of the difficulties in the sector can be attributed to overcapacity, increased competition from imported products, the long term future of the sector lies in the establishment of a modern, efficient and competitive industry.
Any premises in which a baking or confectionery business is carried on is required by the local health board to be registered under the Food Hygiene Regulations and to maintain adequate standards of hygiene. The use of an unhygienic or unregistered premises would be in contravention of these regulations and should be reported to the local health authority or to the Minister for Health. The non-payment of VAT would be a matter for investigation by the Revenue Commissioners.