Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - State Laboratories Funding.

Alan Shatter

Question:

447 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will detail the moneys allocated in 1998 to each of the State laboratories for the purpose of carrying out food testing; the number of microbiological samples which can be tested by each of the State bodies in relation to each health board in the State in 1998; the number of premises within each health board area designated as high risk premises for the purpose of food contamination; and the numbers and type of premises involved. [9141/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Dr. Moffatt)

Each of the State laboratories carries out a wide range of functions and the costs associated with the food testing service are not readily identifiable. In addition, the Deputy has sought a considerable level of detail which is only available from the health boards concerned.

In the time available, it has not been possible to collate all of the information sought. I will communicate with the Deputy as soon as the exercise has been completed.