Vol. 472 No. 1
137 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health the current position in relation to representations made by Deputy Haughey on 31 July 1996 on behalf of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 15 in respect of an appeal concerning the Food Hygiene Regulations 1950-89; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22557/96]
The Food Hygiene Regulations, 1950-89 provide that application must be made to the local health authority for registration of a premises engaged in the provision of food services to the public. The regulations further provide that where the health authority refuses to register the premises, an appeal in the matter may be made to the Minister for Health.
In the case to which the Deputy refers, the Eastern Health Board refused to register a premises, so the proprietor lodged an appeal with the Minister. I am aware that the Deputy wrote to the Department supporting the appeal.
The premises were inspected by an officer of my Department in June of this year and several items were identified which required attention. The appellant was advised that a decision in relation to his appeal would be deferred in order to allow him sufficient time to carry out the necessary modifications to the premises. The appellant initially indicated that the work would be completed early in August, but later asked for, and received, an extension of the deferral until end October by which time he expected the necessary work to be completed.
On 25 November the premises were again inspected by an officer of my Department who found that a large proportion of the work had been satisfactorily completed. However, certain items still required attention. The appellant has agreed to attend to these matters, and a further visit from the Department has been arranged to take place within the next week.
