asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that bulk tank collection of milk can increase the risk to hygiene standards; and if he will introduce regulations whereby every precaution will be taken to avoid such risk.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Hygiene Standards.
56.
Bulk tank collection of milk does not of itself cause risk to hygiene standards. There are existing statutory requirements designed to counteract any risk.
The health of the people in my constituency and indeed the Parliamentary Secretary's constituency, is apparently at risk as a result of these modern processes, such as that in relation to bulk milk. Will the Parliamentary Secretary give me an assurance that the public health will not be at risk as a result of these modern methods?
As I indicated in my reply, there are existing statutory requirements designed to counteract any risk. Bulk milk tankers used by creameries are subject to inspection for hygiene and cleanliness, which is most important. Such tanks used in the liquid trade are inspected in the premises of the pasteurisers.
The Parliamentary Secretary must be aware that the medical profession have said there is a risk in relation to these bulk containers. What is the Parliamentary Secretary going to do about it?
Risk would be involved if the bulk containers are not maintained properly. The Department inspect containers for hygiene and cleanliness. Tanks in the liquid trade are inspected in the premises of the pasteurisers. It is only if the tanks are not maintained properly, having regard to cleanliness and hygiene, that there is a risk. When the tanks are maintained to standard the risk is negligible.
I hope the public believe the Parliamentary Secretary because I do not.
The Deputy is entitled to his view.