Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1526. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if a matter in relation to veterinarians (details supplied) will be addressed considering the impact this will have on approved slaughterhouse establishments under local authority supervision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56663/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present, Local Authorities (LAs) under service contract with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) are responsible for food law enforcement at certain food businesses, including small meat manufacturing plants and slaughterhouses.
On 3rd January 2024, the Department of Health (DoH), Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), and the FSAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) confirming that DoH, DAFM and FSAI, in consultation with DHLGH, have reached an ‘Agreement in Principle’ for the State to have a single National Veterinary Service in terms of the function relating to the supervision of food production premises, that incorporates the Local Authority Veterinary Service (LAVS) into the existing DAFM Veterinary Service.
Understanding the significant complexities involved in progressing the transfer of the LAVS to DAFM, the parties have agreed to develop a phased transitional plan, which will be in consultation with the local government sector.
As the existing LAVS contracts between the LAs and FSAI were due to expire on 31st December 2023, the LAs signed extended contracts with FSAI for the continued delivery of the LAVS up until end February 2024. The extended contracts will allow for the development of a phased plan, including a work programme with agreed timeframes for the transfer of functions that fall within the scope of the Agreement.
Subject to Government approval and agreement of the phased plan, the contracts will then be further extended to facilitate implementation of the work programme. The LGMA has already met with Fórsa, the Union representing the Veterinary Inspectors. There will be further engagement with the Local Authority Veterinary Inspectors as this process progresses.
It is the intention of the relevant parties that the official controls will continue without disruption to the businesses and without any reduction in consumer protection.
