Emmet Stagg
Ceist:49 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the person or body he intends to utilise to monitor the quality assurance scheme at farm level in view of recent proposals from involved organisations. [15497/97]
Written Answers. - National Beef Assurance Scheme.
Pat Rabbitte
Ceist:51 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department will endorse the new food assurance scheme announced by the country's four veterinary organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15399/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 51 together.
In the context of my Department's commitment to food safety, I welcome any initiative which will serve to ensure the maintenance of the highest standards in all sectors of the food industry. I am committed to the implementation of comprehensive quality assurance schemes which can operate successfully only with the full co-operation of all the interested parties.
Under the proposals for the national beef assurance scheme announced in May last, my Department will introduce arrangements on standards to be applied and observed under a registration system by farmers, meat processors, marts and animal feed compounders. The system will have independent inspection and monitoring. These arrangements have been discussed at length with the representative bodies involved and a large measure of agreement exists on the various aspects. However, final agreement has not yet been reached as to the independent bodies or individuals who will carry out inspection and certification functions at farm level. This aspect is being pursued and I am confident that agreement will be reached on this at an early date.