Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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124. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the selection of a new environmental health officer panel as outlined by the Brexit no-deal contingency plan. [3130/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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While the focus of the Government remains on securing an orderly and agreed Brexit, given the increased risks of the UK leaving without a deal contingency planning for a "No Deal" Brexit has intensified, which will require arrangements to be in place by 29 March 2019. 

My Department has, to date, approved just over €6m to the HSE for additional Environmental Health Service (EHS) staff (61 personnel) and the Public Analyst Laboratory Dublin.  This is to facilitate additional official food controls (import controls, export certification and associated laboratory work) which will fall to the HSE as a result of Brexit.

As staff recruitment is a matter for the HSE, I have asked it to respond directly to the Deputy.