Vol. 531 No. 4
97 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will nominate Ireland as a possible location for the proposed European Food Authority which will be established under the terms of the European Commission's White Paper on Food Safety. [1381/01]
The establishment of a European Food Authority was proposed in the European Commission's White Paper on Food Safety, which was published in February 2000. Following publication of the White Paper and the subsequent responses from each member state and other interested parties, the European Com mission adopted a proposal to establish a European Food Authority – EFA – on 8 November 2000. This is part of a wider package contained in a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and Council, laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Authority, and laying down procedures in matters of food safety. Discussions at EU level on this proposal have been taking place since December 2000.
My Department is in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and other relevant Departments on the question of putting Ireland forward as a candidate country for the authority. Departments are in agreement that in considering this matter a number of factors need to be borne in mind such as the fact that one of the criteria laid down by the commission for the location of the authority is centrality and ease of access, and the existing location in Ireland of the commission's food and veterinary office.
There are now four officially declared candidates, Helsinki, Barcelona, Parma and Lille. No final decision has been taken on Ireland's possible candidature.
