Vol. 495 No. 7
481 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children if a contract for supply of chicken to the Western Health Board was given to non-European suppliers; the source of supply; if he has satisfied himself that the condition of production of the supplies meets the required safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21936/98]
An Irish company currently holds the contract for the supply of fresh and frozen chickens to the Western Health Board. This company was selected in accordance with EU Public Procurement Directives.
All the chickens supplied to the Western Health Board's institutions by this contractor are produced on his own farm in Ireland. The overall operation is subject to continuous monitoring by the board's veterinary officer as well as the Department of Agriculture and Food veterinary officers. The contractor is I.S.O. 9000 accredited.
