Vol. 562 No. 6
72 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that the Food Safety Authority is adequately funded to ensure safe food products for the home and export markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3878/03]
I am satisfied that the Food Safety Authority of Ireland is adequately funded to discharge its responsibilities in regard to protecting consumers' health by ensuring that food consumed, distributed, marketed or produced in Ireland meets the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.
The current year allocation for the FSAI, excluding funding for the local authority veterinary service, is €7.401 million as against last year's allocation of €8.157 million. However, it should be noted that in 2002 a special one-off provision of €150,000 was made to fund a specific risk material audit. In addition, in 2002 the authority incurred expenditure on a number of non-recurring items such as the outfitting of office accommodation, various consultancy fees and a number of surveys. The Deputy may also wish to note that, with the exception of the current year, the funding for the FSAI has increased significantly each year since its establishment in January 1999.
