Vol. 397 No. 3
32 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of personnel employed by his Department to advise and inspect restaurants, shops and other outlets in respect of the quality of their presentation of Irish food; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
45 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has any proposals in 1990 to increase the standards of presentation of food in Irish supermarkets and shops; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 45 together.
My Department carries out checks on the quality of fresh fruit and vegetables and eggs at wholesale and retail level in accordance with regulations governing the grading of produce for sale; 32 Department's inspectors are engaged in this work. In addition environment health officers, employed by the health boards, are involved in the inspection of food and food premises where products are processed and offered for sale. Veterinary officers employed by the local authorities are empowered to carry out inspections of meat products at retail level.
Coras Beostoic Feola provides advice and assistance to firms in relation to the presentation and marketing of meat products.
The Deputy will be aware that the Oireachtas has recently enacted the legislation to set up An Bord Glas. The programme for the development of horticulture, drawn up by an bord includes measures directly and indirectly related to the promotion and marketing of Irish horticultural produce.
