Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2024
70. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is taking over responsibility for the inspection of small abattoirs from the local authorities who currently undertake this on behalf of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland; the timeframe within which this will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18421/24]
View answerIrish farmers, fishers and agri-food companies produce world-class food and products to the highest international standards of food safety and quality. Our food safety and traceability systems are critical to supporting the export of our produce across the globe.
Approximately 30 Local Authority Veterinary Inspectors carry out food safety duties at some 500 food businesses; these are mainly smaller slaughter plants, smaller meat products plants, as well as some smaller poultry and other enterprises.
This work is carried out by the Local Authorities under service contract with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).
Approximately 60 Department of Agriculture Veterinary Inspectors (supported by a number of Technical staff) carry out food safety duties in all larger slaughter plants and other larger meat plants, processing plants, cold stores etc.
Discussions have been taking place in recent months in relation to future arrangements regarding the supervision of the smaller premises currently supervised by the Local Authority Veterinary Service. These discussions involve my Department, the Department of Health, The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, the County and City Management Association, and the Local Government Management Agency. A Steering Group and a Working Group, comprising representation from the above organisations, was established in 2023 to explore all aspects of the potential transfer of these supervisory functions to my Department, including identifying potential opportunities and synergies that may arise. The discussions which are ongoing have been constructive and positive. However some issues remain to be resolved, so it is not possible to give any definitive timeframe, but the working group and steering group are working towards bringing some finality to the process by quarter four of 2024 if possible.
In the context of the Local Government Reform Agenda, In 2023 the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) established an interdepartmental Group on Local Government. This group is examining ways to build a stronger interdepartmental perspective and more joined up approaches with other Departments in matters relating to local government. These discussions exploring the possible synergies associated with my Department taking on the supervision of these smaller abattoirs and food premises would align well with the objectives of this Interdepartmental Group.
