Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 July 2012
506 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that any proposed changes to the terms and remit of safefood will be taken forward with the agreement of the North South Ministerial Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33434/12]
View answer507 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the agreements reached with the Northern Minister for Health with regard to changes in the operation of safefood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33435/12]
View answer508 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health to detail the input his Department made to Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety review of the operation of safefood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33436/12]
View answer509 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his views on the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety review of safefood with regard to changes that it proposes into the operation of safefood’s all Ireland programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33437/12]
View answer510 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that his Department remains committed to an all Ireland approach as developed by safefood and in particular the roll out of an all Ireland public information campaigns on nutrition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33438/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 506 to 510, inclusive, together.
The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) in the North are currently reviewing the work carried out by the Food Safety Promotion Board (FSPB). The purpose of the review is to ensure that the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency, the FSPB and DHSSPS work effectively, in complementary roles, and provide maximum value for money in respect of the provision of high quality scientific and policy advice relating to food safety, diet and nutrition. This DHSSPS review is expected to be completed soon and it can be anticipated that its final recommendations will be made available within a matter of weeks. This review will not require any alteration or amendment to the statutory remit and scope of the FSPB.
I recently met with the CEO of the FSPB and members of its Advisory Board. At that meeting I outlined that I had asked officials in my Department to also review the work of the FSPB — a review which would finish after, and take into account the findings of, the DHSSPS review. Both reviews are exploring the scope for greater efficiencies, and the respective roles and responsibilities of organisations working in the food safety, diet, and nutrition areas North and South so as to avoid duplication and maximise value for money. These reviews will help clarify the role to be undertaken by FSPB and will also inform consideration of their 2012 Business Plan. I have also emphasised the need for this review process to reflect FSPB's Island of Ireland remit. It has been agreed that approval of FSPB's Business Plan needs to await the outcome of these reviews. The outcome of this process will be subject to agreement at Ministerial level and will thereafter be brought to the North-South Ministerial Council at the earliest opportunity.
