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Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 May 2021

Wednesday, 26 May 2021

Questions (231, 232)

Matt Carthy

Question:

231. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of full-time equivalent staff currently assigned to the Unfair Trading Practices Enforcement Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28538/21]

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Matt Carthy

Question:

232. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeline to bring forward legislation to establish a new office of a national food ombudsman, regulator or equivalent. [28539/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 together.

The establishment of the new Office of a National Food Ombudsman or Regulator, is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and a key priority of mine as Minister to bring much-needed transparency to the sector. The new Office will have a role in analysing and reporting on price and market data in Ireland and will incorporate the Enforcement Authority functions required by the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive. Primary legislation is required to establish the new office as a separate statutory body. It is envisaged that the legislation will also provide for any further powers which may be given to the Office, including extending the rules set out in the UTP Directive.

I signed the Statutory Instrument (SI) transposing Directive (EU) 2019/633, the Directive on Unfair Trading Practices, into law on 28th April last, the first step in the process of establishing the new Office of a National Food Ombudsman/Regulator or equivalent. SI No. 198 of 2021 transposes the Directive into Irish law directly as it stands, as secondary legislation in Ireland does not allow for changes to be made to the Directive. The Regulations will have effect from 1st July 2021.

The next step requires the drafting of primary legislation to establish the Office and to provide for any further powers which may be given to that office. In that regard, a public consultation to seek views on these issues will close today, 26th May 2021. Department officials will examine all submissions received and will draft the legislation, following which the Bill will be presented to the Oireachtas. It is hoped that the legislation will be finalised by the end of the year.

The UTP Enforcement Authority will operate on an interim basis in the Department pending the finalisation of the primary legislation for the new Office when it will be incorporated into that Office. Currently, there are four officials working on UTP matters, equal to approximately three full time equivalent staff. Progress is being made on assigning a Head and others to specifically staff the UTP Enforcement Authority.

The work will be demand-led to some extent and resource requirements will depend on the level of complaints received. I can assure you that I will ensure that appropriate resources are assigned to ensure an effective service is delivered.

Question No. 232 answered with Question No. 231.
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