Regular and sustained communication within my Department’s staff is an inherent and routine aspect of fulfilling my Department’s role in protecting public health, safeguarding the food chain and ensuring that official controls are carried out in accordance with national and EU regulatory standards. Staff across multiple Divisions routinely communicate and co-ordinate on matters that have shared responsibility relating to food safety, traceability and animal welfare.
Communication takes place daily, by email, in person or by phone or virtually, as issues arise. In addition, all Divisions interact with other sectors and with external stakeholders on a more structured basis to discuss cross-cutting issues. A specific Food Safety Liaison Unit is responsible for the coordination of communications with relevant Department divisions and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) for both routine matters and where incidents relating to food safety arise. Area Management meetings are held on a quarterly basis ensuring that staff are informed and up to date on current and upcoming matters.
Standard Operating Procedures and systems are in place for the approval process for slaughter plants and the issuing of certificates of competence and other checks, including welfare and carcass quality.
All staff grades in my Department work collaboratively to ensure the robust legislative standards are met in all areas for which my Department is responsible.
Systems and processes undergo regular reviews and will be evaluated further on foot of the matter you refer to.
