Vol. 535 No. 3
15 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has sought a role in relation to consumer affairs issues and food safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11477/01]
I represent the Irish Government at the EU Consumer Council of Ministers and, of course, food safety issues are dealt with by council. Policy responsibility for the health, safety and economic well-being of consumers is spread across a number of Departments, agencies and bodies. In the case of food safety, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, which reports to the Minister for Health and Children, has responsibility for the enforcement of all food safety legislation and for ensuring that food produced, marketed or distributed within the State meets the highest standards of food safety. Consumer interests are represented on the board of the FSAI and on the recently established Food Safety Consultative Council.
My colleague, Deputy Moffatt, as Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children does, as the House will be aware, has specific responsibility for food safety.
