Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023
116. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has begun implementing the measures relating to food donation and distribution laid out in the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9862/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published Ireland’s National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap 2023-2025 in November 2022. The development of a Food Waste Prevention Roadmap is a key commitment in the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. The Roadmap sets out a number of priority actions to bring the focus on food waste prevention, across key sectors in the food supply chain, together in a coherent manner.
Food donation and redistribution continues to play an important role in preventing food waste and is a key focus of the Roadmap. Food donation and redistribution initiatives already in practice include the work being undertaken by FoodCloud to connect businesses that have surplus food with charities and communities who need it. In 2020, for example, FoodCloud's Irish operations rescued over 3,100 tonnes of food. Other consumer and business facing platforms such as Olio and Too Good to Go are also examples of current initiatives that are facilitating food donation and redistribution in Ireland.
My Department looks forward to continue working with key stakeholders to progress the implementation of food donation and redistribution actions included in Ireland’s National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap 2023-2025.
