Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to reduce red tape within the food sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33781/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The regulation of food safety will be simplified under the new food hygiene legislation which comes into effect from 1 January 2006. This legislation consolidates and updates 17 EU regulations and directives which will be repealed next January. However, food safety is non-negotiable and our experience is that consumer confidence is essential for the development of the food industry. It requires in the first place best practice from all in the food chain and appropriate responsibility being accepted by producers and processors themselves. In addition, there must be objective, independent, and transparent systems for ensuring maintenance of high standards and prompt and pro-active measures taken where risks emerge.

The enforcement of legislation within the food sector is centralized in the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, FSAI, which comes under the aegis of the Department of Health and Children. These controls are carried out by way of service contract with a number of Departments and agencies as provided for under section 48 of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998. These include my own Department, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the Office of Director of Consumer Affairs, the 33 local authorities and the ten Health Service Executives.

My Department is responsible for certain food products and is committed to giving a quality service that is efficient, effectives, courteous and user friendly to all its customers and clients. In doing this there is an action plan which establishes standards and guidelines for the delivery of services, dealings with its customers and clients, including service delivery targets from the entire range of Department activities. The plan also invites feedback, from individual customers and staff alike, on our services so as to ensure that they meet the changing needs of our customers.

In this regard, my Department endeavours to ensure that any regulatory requirements are implemented in a fair and even manner, while also bearing in mind the need for appropriate controls in certain circumstances. My Department would be happy to examine any suggestions to eliminate unnecessary red tape if instances are brought to my attention.