Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 33: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce policy measures on foot of the recently published report of the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on the contamination of Irish pork products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25982/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As I advised the Joint Oireachtas Committee I established a Review Group, chaired by Dr. Patrick Wall, to make recommendations on whatever adjustment of controls or other measures are necessary in the light of the experience gained during the dioxin contamination incident. The work of the Group is ongoing and it will report both the Minister for Health and Children and myself. The Group is considering the report and recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas committee which it received on 26 May 2009 as well as a range of submissions from interested parties. In the meantime my Department, in accordance with risk assessment practice, has amended the 2009 animal feed Inspection Programme to:

(i) afford the drying of feed and grain drying operators a higher risk category

(ii) place greater emphasis on the checking of HACCP plans of the Feed Business Operators

(ii) remind operators involved in the drying of grain and feed that only gas in particular fuels (diesel & kerosene) can be used for such drying.

The Department has also reminded feed business operators of their obligation, under the Hygiene Regulations, to take all steps necessary to ensure the safety of the feed chain.