Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2014

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

Questions (522, 523, 524)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

522. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the allegations that Bord Bia is acting contrary to ISO producer driven standards and in breach of public procurement, in view of the fact that Bord Bia is a statutory based regulatory body and its quality assurance schemes are governed within the framework of ISO as an ISO 17065 accredited organisation; his views on whether this situation is causing any hardship to domestic growers; and if he has considered alternative proposals which are compatible with producer needs, industry and customer standards, EU policy and public procurement. [25853/14]

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

523. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the allegations that Bord Bia is making available subsidies to producers to upgrade their facilities on condition that they join its quality assurance scheme, encouraging producers into its scheme, contrary to producer commercial interests and ISO industry standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25854/14]

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

524. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the ISO system, to improve market conditions and protect domestic growers as is the duty of Bord Bia and its requirement in view of its ISO accreditation. [25855/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 522 to 524, inclusive, together.

ISO International Standards are voluntary standards which are developed and reviewed by the ISO. My Department does not have any role in this arena. Bord Bia’s Quality Assurance Scheme is voluntary, setting specific quality standards, which can add value to the Irish beef, pigmeat, poultry and other sectors to which they apply. These schemes are accredited to ISO standards in order to give them international credibility and standing. Ultimately the objective of these standards is to further Bord Bia's mission to promote the marketing of Irish food produce and so benefit producers. Bord Bia does not make subsidies available to producers to upgrade their facilities. With regard to the operational arrangements of the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Schemes, and their accreditation to ISO standards – these are matters between these two Bodies. As a non commercial State Body, Bord Bia is obliged to comply with all of the requirements of the national and EU rules governing public procurement.