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Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Call for advance notice for farm inspections to minimise disruption
At least two weeks' notice of farm inspections should be given by the Department of Agriculture, a Kerry TD told the Dail. Fianna Fáil's Michael Cahill urged the Department of Agriculture to avoid inspections during the lambing season. He also suggested it should consider conducting inspections during shearing from mid-June to mid-July, or ramming from mid-September to early November to minimise disruption for farmers. Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said inspections were a requirement of European Union Regulations. The approach and reporting system used is standardised across all areas of the country to ensure consistency and fair treatment of all farmers. "In relation to the various schemes my department administers, on-farm inspections are a requirement of the EU regulations and the terms and conditions. The inspection approach and reporting system used is standardised across all areas of the country to ensure consistency and fair treatment of all farmers," Mr Heydon said. Kerry TD Michael Cahill suggested the department should consider conducting inspections during shearing from mid-June to mid-July, or ramming from mid-September to early November to minimise disruption for farmers. "In relation to providing notice for on-farm inspections, as agreed in the Farmers' Charter of Rights with the farm bodies, all inspections will, in the main, be announced." He explained where giving advanced notice of an inspection interferes with the purpose or effectiveness of the control, no notice is given. The level of notice given is generally two days. 'However, in duly justified cases, additional notice may be given, but limited to the minimum necessary. This may particularly be the case for inspections involving hill sheep flocks,' he added. "Regarding inspections involving sheep, my department takes account of the circumstances and follows agreed protocols with the farming bodies in relation to penning at lambing time." "I can assure the deputy that in relation to carrying out inspections in hill sheep areas, my department will endeavour to take account of the timing of inspections relative to when sheep move to and from the hills, provide adequate notice and tolerances to take account of the unique circumstances in the hill areas, while at the same time endeavouring to complete the necessary inspections to ensure that farmers receive their payments on time," Mr Heydon concluded. Read More Stephen Cadogan: Why every dairy farmer needs a cash buffer in 2025
Extra.ie
13-05-2025
- Health
- Extra.ie
Mouse droppings among reasons as eight closure orders issued in April
A lack of cleaning and disinfection and mouse droppings throughout the premises were just some reasons the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) issued closure orders to businesses last month. Ten Enforcement Orders were served on food businesses during the month of April — eight of which were closure orders — for breaches of food safety legislation, pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998 and the European Union Regulations, 2020. Environmental Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE) issued the Enforcement Orders for a myriad of reasons. A lack of cleaning and disinfection and mouse droppings throughout the premises were just some reasons the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) issued closure orders to businesses last month. Pic: Sam Boal/ Among the reasons were no documentation of pest control checks; mouse droppings throughout the premises; flies observed in the kitchen with no fly screen and a heavily stained kitchen with visible dirt and grease on cooking equipment and stainless steel surfaces. The FSAI added that other reasons included staff inability to demonstrate knowledge of food safety management procedures as well as no hot water or designated hand wash basin in the food prep area. Two Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on: Greenville Deli (Restaurant/ Café), 45 Monkstown Avenue, Monkstown, Co Dublin. Sirmone Limited T/A Soul Bakery and TPB, Unit L5, Ballymount Industrial Estate, Dublin 12. Ten Enforcement Orders were served on food businesses during the month of April — eight of which were closure orders — for breaches of food safety legislation, pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998 and the European Union Regulations, 2020. Pic: Getty Images Six Closure Orders were served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on: The City Arms Gasto Bar/ Bistro (closed area: the food storage and preparation area: preparation, cooking and service of food)(Public House), 50 High Street, Waterford. Tasty (Take Away), The Square Dromcollogher, Limerick. Namaste Indian Cuisine, 88/89 King Street North, Smithfield, Dublin 7. Bojon Spices (all the activities of the business, establishments, holdings or other premises be ceased and the internet sites or social media sites it operates or employs be ceased) (Restaurant/Café), Summerhill Road, Dunboyne, Meath. Barne Lodge (Restaurant/ Café), Rathkeevan, Clonmel, Tipperary. Rio Latte Bar (Restaurant/ Café), Unit 7, Park Shopping Centre, Prussia Street, Dublin 7. Chief Executive at the FSAI Greg Dempsey warned that there was an obligation for food businesses to act responsibly and ensure the food they provide to their customers is safe to eat. He said: 'Food businesses owe it to their customers that the food they are selling is safe to eat. Not only is it the right thing to do, it's also a legal requirement under food law. 'Consumers have a right to trust that the food they buy is safe to eat and that it complies with all the relevant food safety legislation.' Mr Dempsey added that the findings that led to the string of Enforcement Orders highlighted an 'unacceptable disregard for basic food safety and hygiene practices.' The Chief Exec stressed that food businesses needed to 'remain vigilant' in ensuring regular checks were being carried out, effective pest control was upheld, and premises were thoroughly cleaned and well-maintained.
