Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 1

Written Answers. - Food Hygiene Regulations.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

20 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the establishment of an organisation named, Free Choice, which is designed to support and advise small traditional food producers who are encountering difficulties in fulfilling EU hygiene and other requirements; the plans, if any, he has to meet with this organisation to discuss their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4627/96]

John Browne

Question:

22 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the grave concerns among operators in the small food sector that the over strict hygiene and licensing regulations are hampering further developments in this sector. [4556/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 22 together.

The primary objective of the food hygiene regulations, which are enforced by the health boards on behalf of my Department, is to ensure that food placed on the market for sale to the public is fit for human consumption.

I am satisfied that the health boards share my appreciation for the valuable contribution made by small scale food operations. The potential for growth and employment in these small scale operations is well recognised. As a result, I am satisfied that the health boards show considerable understanding and flexibility when applying the regulations to small businesses while, of course, being obliged to give priority at all times to the protection of public health.

In relation to the Free Choice organisation I am pleased to say that senior officials met a delegation from the organisation on 7 February last and discussed at length a wide range of issues of concern to the organisation, including the implications for small food operations of the new EU food hygiene directive. That directive will be transposed into Irish law shortly. During the course of that meeting the officials encouraged the organisation to participate in the drawing up of codes of practice as forseen in the directive. These codes are designed to facilitate compliance with the directive and afford interested groups an opportunity to shape the regulatory regime which will be put in place. I hope they will agree to take part in the process.