Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that the regulations she has introduced on country of origin of beef sold at the catering stage in the food chain have been properly and effectively implemented; if her attention has been drawn to an establishment found to be in breach of these regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32868/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Regulations governing the provision of country of origin information on beef sold at the catering stage of the food chain were introduced by the Minister for Health and Children earlier this year. Responsibility for enforcement of the Health (Country of Origin of Beef) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 307 of 2006) is with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

There are over 44,000 food businesses in Ireland of which over 29,000 are in the service sector, which includes caterers. These are inspected on a routine basis by the Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive operating under a Service Contract with the FSAI.

In general, the HSE undertake inspections in about two thirds of these premises every year. Inspections focus on compliance with hygiene and food safety requirements. Checks on compliance with the Health (Country of Origin of Beef) Regulations are being incorporated into routine inspections for establishments covered by these Regulations. Any breaches of the regulations should be brought to the attention of the FSAI.