Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 268: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the process used by him for the distribution of cheese to voluntary organisations and persons; the safeguards in place to ensure that the scheme is not abused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4946/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I consider the Charity Scheme, which is funded by the European Commission, to be an important means of contributing towards the well-being of the poorer citizens of the community. The procedures for implementing the scheme in each member state are set out in Commission Regulation (EU) No. 807/2010.

In Ireland the product is made available to charitable organisations for distribution to those in need. A declaration signed by a Garda, a Peace Commissioner or a Member of the clergy, must be made by each charity confirming their charitable status and their intended use of the product. Charities make an application to my Department for their required amount of product and their preferred location for collection and my officials make a decision based on the application received.

Records are kept by the charities of the use and distribution of the product which are subject to an annual risk based audit by officials of my Department. The latest tranche of product made up of 110 tonnes of Cheddar Cheese is now available for distribution to charities from cold stores located in Cork, Waterford, Dublin, Portlaoise and Sligo.