asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he intends to make any proposals to eliminate poor standards in restaurants; and if it will be possible in the near future to have all such premises graded as to their standards and to publish a list showing the estimated standard of each restaurant.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Restaurant Standards.
10.
I am aware of the desirability of raising standards in some Irish restaurants and, in my speech at the annual dinner of the Irish Restaurant Owners Association on 28th June, I said that the ideal solution would be to have registration and grading of restaurants carried out by Bord Fáilte. However, a registration and grading system would require considerable resources in funds and manpower and, unfortunately, Bord Fáilte are not in a position to develop such a system at present because of their other commitments. An amendment to the Tourist Traffic Acts would also be necessary.
I would hope that the restaurant industry would play its part in improving standards. Where there are poor standards, pressure on the proprietors to eliminate such standards can also be exerted by their customers. Bord Fáilte are currently endeavouring to achieve greater customer awareness. The need for guidance to overseas visitors is a matter to which the board have been giving consideration.
Restaurants are subject to the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1950, under which they have to be registered with the local health authority and have to comply with certain standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
Would the Minister not agree that there are many restaurants in this country which leave much to be desired both in relation to the presentation of food and in relation to hygiene right along the line to toilets?
Inspectors of the health boards inspect restaurants regularly but I am not competent to comment in relation to the presentation of food.
Can the Minister say how many inspectors would be involved?
I cannot say. Each health board would have their own team of inspectors and would determine the number required.