Phil Hogan
Ceist:138 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans to increase the number of environmental health officers for the purpose of food inspection work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Environmental Health Officers.
It is a matter for each health board, in the first instance, to determine the number of environmental health officers required to enable the board to discharge its enforcement responsibilities under food law. Health boards continually review their requirements in this regard in the light of existing priorities and resources.
I am satisfied that the number of environmental health officers employed by health boards are adequate to meet the boards' current food inspection programmes.