Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004
107 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many milkmen are giving up doorstep deliveries because of the requirement by milk companies that they have refrigerated vans; and if she plans to exercise her power to exempt doorstep deliveries from the requirements of this EU statutory instrument. [23901/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe conditions for the sale of milk at retail level, including those relating to temperature, are set out in SI No. 9 of 1996. The statutory instrument provides that, during transport, the temperature of pasteurised milk must not exceed 60° C. It also provides that the Minister may grant a derogation from this requirement in the case of doorstep deliveries. No requests for such an exemption have been received in my Department. Any such requests would be considered on their merits. Ensuring the safety of milk and milk products at retail level is primarily the responsibility of the local authorities' public health protection services and of the health boards. My Department would therefore have to consult with them in considering any request for an exemption.
