Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1688. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health his views on whether there is to be a conflict of interest in the appointment of a person to a position at a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34925/21]
View answer3173. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if he has any ethical concerns regarding the appointment of the adviser at Safefood (details supplied); the way he will ensure that there will not be a conflict of interest in relation to this appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40576/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1688 and 3173 together.
The British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999 provides for Safefood to have both an Advisory Board and an Advisory Committee.
Safefood Advisory Committee (SAC) members are selected by Safefood following a publicly advertised invitation for expressions of interest from suitably qualified professionals?.
The role of the SAC is advisory. It meets on average twice a year and provides expert advice to Safefood when it considers new and emerging issues on food safety, healthy eating, and on strategic and cost-effective communications mechanisms for fostering positive change in these areas.
Safefood developed a code of practice for SAC members and procedures for conflict of interest is included. Appointees must disclose any information or personal connections which, if appointed, could lead to a real or perceived conflict of interest. Members must highlight any potential for such conflict and step back from any discussions on those issues
SAC members act in a voluntary capacity and are there to bring their expertise to topics for discussion. Safefood advises that all SACs appointed to date have included food industry representatives.
The Department of Health and the HSE are responsible for breastfeeding policy in Ireland. Safefood has no policy remit in this regard. The HSE Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland Action Plan is the framework for progressing supports for breastfeeding in Ireland.
