Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

Why is it that 65% to 70% of restaurants are not complying with the legislation? If restaurants were purchasing Irish beef in the first instance, it would be easy for them to comply.

What extra resources were given to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the environmental health officers to enable them to enforce the legislation? I contend that no additional resources were given. Environmental health officers have told me that they do not see enforcement as a priority. There is no point introducing legislation if it is not enforced.

According to a report by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, in approximately one fifth of shops and supermarkets the information regarding loose and packaged beef did not adequately inform the consumer. That was the situation under previous legislation, before the new Act came into force. It is clear the legislation in place is not being enforced and resources are not being provided to prioritise such enforcement.

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