Written answers
Thursday, 21 March 2024
Department of Health
Food Safety
John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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275. To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline the proposed role of local authorities in inspections by vets of small abattoirs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13432/24]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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At present, Local Authorities (LAs) under service contract with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) are responsible for food law enforcement at certain food businesses, including small meat manufacturing plants and slaughterhouses.
On 3rd January 2024, the Department of Health (DoH), Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), and the FSAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) confirming that DoH, DAFM and FSAI, in consultation with DHLGH, have reached an ‘Agreement in Principle’ for the State to have a single National Veterinary Service in terms of the function relating to the supervision of food production premises, that incorporates the Local Authority Veterinary Service (LAVS) into the existing DAFM Veterinary Service.
Discussions between the relevant Departments and Agencies are ongoing regarding progressing the potential transfer.
It is the intention of the relevant parties that the official controls will continue without disruption to the businesses and without any reduction in consumer protection.
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