Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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1035. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider and respond on a proposal (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27891/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose dealing with the food hygiene elements of the question. The Deputy should contact my Ministerial colleagues in the Departments of Finance (registering with the Revenue Commissioners), Transport (insurance) and Justice (vetting by an Garda Síochána) regarding the other issues.

The introduction of a licensing system for food deliveries from restaurants and take aways is a matter which would require careful examination. In particular it would need to be demonstrated that the benefits for consumers and additional guarantees for food safety are necessary, worthwhile, and outweigh the associated costs of a licensing scheme, plus the additional administrative burden on food business operators. At present there is no data to suggest that the introduction of such a scheme is warranted for food safety purposes. In any event, restaurants and takeaways are not subject to a licensing scheme.

Food business operators are required to comply with current food hygiene and safety rules, which extend to include any home delivery service offered by them. They are also required to ensure that the safety of the food provided is not compromised by poor practice during delivery. Consumers who are concerned about a home delivery service are advised to contact the restaurant/takeaway which sold the food, and/or the Environmental Health Service of the Health Service Executive or the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, which will ensure appropriate follow up and investigation.