I propose to take Questions Nos. 165, 174, 182 and 216 together.
The enforcement of food labelling regulations is centralised in the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) who ensure that the appropriate controls are carried out by the relevant official agencies. The official agencies include the Health Service Executive, my Department, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs and the local authorities.
My Department is in touch with officials of the FSAI on an ongoing basis and regular meetings are held to discuss a wide range of issues. Any issues, which arise in relation to the enforcement of food legislation, including enforcement of labelling legislation, are discussed where necessary, in this context. Prior to the recent introduction of labelling regulations extending the beef regulations to the catering sector, my Department held a number of meetings with the FSAI in relation to appropriate enforcement procedures, which are carried out by Environmental Health Officers.
As I indicated in replies to similar questions on the 27th June 2006 my Department received the elements of the FSAI report that referred specifically to plants that came within its remit. These related to 11 premises and were all minor breaches. My Department, to the satisfaction of the FSAI, addressed the issues identified by the FSAI audit.