Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

544. To ask the Minister for Health the status of funding for local authority vets to carry out inspections at local abattoirs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30987/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is the competent authority with overall responsibility for the enforcement of food safety legislation in Ireland. Responsibility for enforcement of food legislation is managed through service contracts between the FSAI and a number of competent authorities, also known as ‘Official Agencies’. These official agencies include the Health Service Executive (HSE); Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM); Local Authorities; and Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority.

Local Authorities, acting on behalf of the FSAI, are responsible for food law enforcement required under EU food law at certain food businesses with the controls carried out by the Local Authority Veterinary Service (LAVS).

The annual funding provided by the Department of Health to the FSAI is inclusive of funding for the LA service contracts. While funded by the Department, the FSAI is independent in the exercise of its functions.

The FSAI and the County & City Management Association (CCMA) have been engaging for some time regarding the funding and effective delivery of the service. The funding allocated by the FSAI to the service for 2020 has not been accepted by the CCMA. The current service contracts with the FSAI are in place until 30^thNovember 2020 and the Authority is working closely with all parties to ensure that a system of food safety controls is in place in LA supervised premises from 1^stDecember 2020.