Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act, 1998

Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act, 1998 Skip to content Disclaimer Feedback Helpdesk Gaeilge Léim go dtí an t-ábhar Séanadh Aiseolas Deasc chabhrach English Gaeilge English Produced by the Office of the Attorney General Táirgthe ag Oifig an Ard-Aighne Home Legislation Acts of the Oireachtas Statutory Instruments Pre-1922 Legislation Constitution External Resources Bills (Houses of the Oireachtas) Iris Oifigiúil / Official Gazette Revised Acts (LRC) Classified List of Legislation (LRC) Translations (acts.ie) Translations (Houses of the Oireachtas) Government Publications for Sale EU Law (EUR-Lex) FAQ Disclaimer Feedback Helpdesk Search Baile Reachtaíocht Achtanna an Oireachtais Ionstraimí Reachtúla Reachtaíocht Réamh-1922 Bunreacht Acmhainní Seachtracha Billí (Tithe an Oireachtais) Iris Oifigiúil Achtanna Athbhreithnithe (CAD) (An Coimisiún um Athchóiriú an Dlí) Liosta Rangaithe Reachtaíochta Aistriúcháin (achtanna.ie) Aistriúcháin (Tithe an Oireachtais) Foilseacháin Rialtais ar Díol Dlí AE (EUR-Lex) CCanna (Ceisteanna Coitianta) Séanadh Aiseolas Deasc chabhrach Cuardach TitleTeideal Year(s) or rangeBliain nó blianta nó raon TypeCineál All Legislation Acts Statutory Instruments Advanced SearchCuardach Casta HomeBaile ActsAchtanna 1998 Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act, 1998 Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act, 1998 Permanent Page URL View by SectionAmharc de réir Ailt View Full ActAmharc ar an Acht Iomlán Bill History Stair Bille Commencement, Amendments, SIs made under the Act Tosach Feidhme, Leasuithe, IRí arna ndéanamh faoin Acht Open PDFOscail PDF Print Full ActPriontáil an tAcht Iomlán Number 29 of 1998 FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY OF IRELAND ACT, 1998 ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS PART I Preliminary Section 1. Short title. 2. Interpretation. 3. Establishment day. 4. Laying of orders and regulations before Houses of Oireachtas. 5. Amendment of Schedules. 6. Prosecution of summary offences. 7. Offences by bodies corporate. 8. Expenses of Minister. PART II The Food Safety Authority of Ireland 9. Establishment of Authority. 10. Independence of Authority. 11. Principal function of Authority. 12. Promotion of standards. 13. Food safety assurance schemes. 14. Consultative Council. 15. Advice of Authority. 16. Collection and assessment of data. 17. Review of food inspection services. 18. Research by Authority. 19. Certification of food. 20. Conferral of additional functions on Authority. 21. Charges for services. 22. Gifts. 23. Borrowings by Authority. 24. Advances by Minister to Authority. 25. Reports and information to Minister. 26. Accounts and audits. 27. Premises of Authority. 28. Seal of Authority. 29. Consultants and advisers. 30. Authority may seek reports in relation to food safety and hygiene. PART III The Board, Scientific Committee, Committees, Chief Executive and Staff of the Authority 31. Membership of Board of Authority and term of office of members. 32. Chairperson of Board. 33. Meeting of Board. 34. Scientific Committee. 35. Subcommittees. 36. Remuneration and allowances. 37. Chief executive of Authority. 38. Staff of Authority. 39. Superannuation. 40. Membership of either House of Oireachtas, European Parliament, local authority or health board. 41. Declaration of interests. 42. Disclosure of interests. 43. Disclosure of information. PART IV Enforcement of Food Safety Standards 44. Commencement of Part IV. 45. Power of Authority to enforce food safety standards in food legislation. 46. Food inspections, etc. 47. Additional inspections. 48. Service contracts. 49. Authorised officers. 50. Powers of authorised officers. 51. Taking of samples. 52. Improvement notices and orders. 53. Closure orders. 54. Withdrawal of food products. 55. Indemnification of authorised officers, etc. 56. Service of notices, etc. 57. Prosecution of summary offences under food legislation. PART V Dissolution of Former Authority 58. Dissolution of former Authority. 59. Transfer of assets and liabilities of former Authority. 60. Preservation of certain continuing contracts and adaptation of references to former Authority. 61. Saving for certain acts. 62. Pending legal proceedings. 63. Exemption from capital gains tax. 64. Revocation. PART VI Amendment of the Radiological Protection Act, 1991 65. Amendment of Radiological Protection Act, 1991. FIRST SCHEDULE Food Legislation SECOND SCHEDULE Official Agencies Acts Referred to Companies Acts, 1963 to 1990 Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993 1993, No. 8 European Communities Act, 1972 1972, No. 27 European Parliament Elections Act, 1997 1997, No. 2 Health Act, 1970 1970, No. 1 Local Government Act, 1941 1941, No. 23 Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851 1851, c. 93 Radiological Protection Act, 1991 1991, No. 9 Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 1997, No. 39 Food Safety Authority of Ireland (Establishment) Order, 1997 S.I. No. 524 of 1997 Abattoirs Act, 1988 No. 8 of 1988 Agricultural Produce (Meat) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1954 No. 33 of 1954 Agricultural Produce (Meat) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1978 No. 13 of 1978 Food Standards Act, 1974 No. 11 of 1974 Health Act, 1947 No. 28 of 1947 Poisons Act, 1961 No. 12 of 1961 European Communities (Arsenic and Lead in Food) Regulations, 1972 S.I. No. 44 of 1972 European Communities (Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 1982 S.I. No. 205 of 1982 European Communities (Erucic Acid in Food) (Method of Analysis) Regulations, 1982 S.I. No. 271 of 1982 European Communities (Food Additives) (Purity Criteria Verification) Regulations, 1983 S.I. No. 60 of 1983 European Communities (Vinyl Chloride in Food) (Method of Analysis) Regulations, 1984 S.I. No. 92 of 1984 European Communities (Antioxidant in Food) (Purity Criteria) Regulations, 1985 S.I. No. 187 of 1985 European Communities (Natural Mineral Waters) Regulations, 1986 S.I. No. 11 of 1986 European Communities (Pesticide Residues) (Fruit and Vegetables) Regulations, 1989 S.I. No. 105 of 1989 European Communities (Preservatives in Food) (Purity Criteria) Regulations, 1989 S.I. No. 262 of 1989 European Communities (Egg Products) Regulations, 1991 S.I. No. 293 of 1991 European Communities (Materials and Articles Intended to Come Into Contact With Foodstuffs) Regulations, 1991 S.I. No. 307 of 1991 European Communities (Flavourings for use in Foodstuffs for Human Consumption) Regulations, 1992 S.I. No. 22 of 1992 European Communities (Marketing Standards for Eggs) Regulations, 1992 S.I. No. 254 of 1992 European Communities (Quick Frozen Foodstuffs) Regulations, 1992 S.I. No. 290 of 1992 Radiological Protection Act, 1991 (General Control of Radioactive Substances, Nuclear Devices and Irradiating Apparatus) Order, 1993 S.I. No. 151 of 1993 European Communities (Minced Meat) Regulations, 1994 S.I. No. 215 of 1994 European Communities (Infant Formulae) Regulations, 1994 S.I. No. 459 of 1994 European Communities (Meat Products and Other Products of Animal Origin) Regulations, 1995 S.I. No. 126 of 1995 European Communities (Rabbitmeat and Farmed Game Meat) Regulations, 1995 S.I. No. 278 of 1995 European Communities (Wild Game Meat) Regulations, 1995 S.I. No. 298 of 1995 European Communities (General Provisions on the Control of Additives, and in particular Colours and Sweeteners for use in Foodstuffs) Regulations, 1995 S.I. No. 344 of 1995 European Communities (Monitoring of Temperature in the Means of Transport, Warehousing and Storage of Quick-Frozen Foodstuffs and Sampling Procedure and Methods of Analysis for Control of the Temperatures of Quick-Frozen Foods Intended for Human Consumption) Regulations, 1995 S.I. No. 370 of 1995 European Communities (Fresh Poultrymeat) Regulations, 1996 S.I. No. 3 of 1996 European Communities (Hygienic Production and Placing on the Market of Raw Milk, Heat-Treated Milk and Milk-Based Products) Regulations, 1996 S.I. No. 9 of 1996 European Communities (Live Bivalve Molluscs) (Health Conditions for Production and Placing on the Market) Regulations, 1996 S.I. No. 147 of 1996 European Communities (Fishery Products) (Health Conditions and Hygiene Rules for Production and Placing on the Market) Regulations, 1996 S.I. No. 170 of 1996 European Communities (Minced Meat and Meat Preparations) Regulations, 1996 S.I. No. 243 of 1996 European Communities (Detailed Provisions on the Control of Additives, other than Colours and Sweeteners, for use in Foodstuffs) Regulations, 1997 S.I. No. 128 of 1997 European Communities (Pesticide Residues) (Fruit and Vegetables) (Amendment) Regulations, 1997 S.I. No. 218 of 1997 European Communities (Pesticide Residues) (Products of Plant Origin, including Fruit and Vegetables) Regulations, 1997 S.I. No. 221 of 1997 European Communities (Suspension of Imports of Pistachios and Certain Products Derived from Pistachios Originating in or Consigned from Iran) Regulations, 1997 S.I. No. 432 of 1997 European Communities (Fresh Meat) Regulations, 1997 S.I. No. 434 of 1997 European Communities (Pesticide Residues) (Products of Plant Origin, including Fruit and Vegetables) (Amendment) Regulations, 1998 S.I. No. 71 of 1998 European Communities (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 1998 S.I. No. 85 of 1998 European Communities (Hygiene of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 1998 S.I. No. 86 of 1998 European Communities (Official Control of Foodstuffs) (Approved Laboratories) Order, 1998 S.I. No. 95 of 1998 Number 29 of 1998 FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY OF IRELAND ACT, 1998 AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BODY TO BE KNOWN AS THE FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY OF IRELAND OR ÚDARÁS SÁBHÁILTEACHTA BIA NA hÉIREANN AND TO DEFINE ITS FUNCTIONS AND TO AMEND THE RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION ACT, 1991 , AND TO PROVIDE FOR RELATED MATTERS. [8th July, 1998] BE IT ENACTED BY THE OIREACHTAS AS FOLLOWS: PART I Preliminary Short title. 1.—This Act may be cited as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Short title. Act, 1998. Interpretation. 2.—(1) In this Act, except where the context otherwise requires—Interpretation. “authorised officer” means a person appointed as an authorised officer under section 49 ; “the Authority” means the Food Safety Authority of Ireland established under section 9 ; “the Board” means the Board of the Authority; “chief executive” means the chief officer of the Authority appointed under section 37 ; “closure order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 53 ; “enforcement” in relation to food legislation, means the carrying out of inspections, surveillance, sampling, analysis, licensing and registration and the taking of legal proceedings; “establishment day” means the day appointed by the Minister under section 3 to be the establishment day; “food” includes— (a) any substance used, available to be used or intended to be used, for food or drink by human persons, and (b) any substance which enters into or is used in the production, composition or preparation of these substances, and references to food include, as the context may require, reference to a particular food or class of food; “food inspection” means the systems of inspection carried out by or on behalf of the Authority in order to ascertain whether— (a) food, (b) the processes (including processes aimed at preserving or prolonging the freshness and wholesomeness of food) to which food is subjected, (c) the physical environment in which food is produced, held, prepared and handled, (d) the skills, training and competence of people handling or otherwise dealing with food in premises coming within the scope of this Act, (e) any substances and materials which may be used at any stage in the production of food (including, where appropriate, animal feedings tuffs) and including the pre- and post-mortem examination of animals at abattoirs or other such premises whose meat is to be supplied as food or is to be used in the production of food, (f) food additives, vitamins, mineral salts, trace elements, flavourings and other additives intended to be sold as such, (g) materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, (h) products of the soil, products of stock farming, aquaculture and of fisheries and game, complies with food legislation aimed at preventing risks to public health; “food legislation” means— (a) the Acts (including any instruments made there under) specified in Part I , (b) the statutory instruments specified in Part II , (c) the Regulations of an institution of the European Communities specified in Part III , of the First Schedule in so far as they relate to food safety and hygiene, (d) any Act passed by the Oireachtas or any statutory instrument made thereunder or regulation made under the European Communities Act, 1972 , after the establishment day and deemed to be food legislation for the purposes of this Act, “food safety” means the steps taken to avoid risks to public health arising from food intended for human consumption; “food standards” in relation to food safety and hygiene, means standards established by or under food legislation relating to any or all of the following: (a) the composition of food, including— (i) the level of contaminants or residues that may be present in food, (ii) its microbiological status and safety, and (iii) the method of sampling and testing of food to determine its composition; (b) the production of food, including the equipment used and the processes employed; (c) the packaging, storing or handling of food; (d) the sale, importation or exportation of food; (e) any information about food, including labelling, promotion and advertising thereof; (f) the avoidance of physical, chemical, radiological, biological or other contamination of food; (g) the avoidance of risks to human health arising from ingestion or otherwise of food; (h) the maximum or minimum amount of substances that are or are required to be or may be used in the preparation of food; “former Authority” means the Food Safety Authority of Ireland established by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (Establishment) Order, 1997 ( S.I. No. 524 of 1997 ); “functions” includes powers and duties, and reference to the performance of functions includes, as respects powers and duties, references to the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties; “health board” means a board established under section 4 of the Health Act, 1970 ; “hygiene” in relation to food safety or standards, means the observance of standards of good practice aimed at the avoidance of contamination of food; “improvement notice” has the meaning assigned to it by section 52 (1); “improvement order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 52 (4); “local authority” has the meaning assigned to it by the Local Government Act, 1941 ; “the Minister” means the Minister for Health and Children; “official agency” shall be construed in accordance with the Second Schedule ; “premises” includes any place, building, aircraft, vehicle, railway wagon, container or vessel or temporary premises at or in or on which any trade, business or activity in connection with the production, preparation, processing, manufacture, exportation, importation, storage, distribution or sale of food is or has been carried on; “prescribe” means prescribe by regulations made by the Minister; “prohibition order” has the meaning assigned to it by section 54 (1); “recognised trade unions and associations” means the trade unions and staff associations recognised by the Authority for the purpose of negotiations which are concerned with the transfers of staff to the Authority as well as remuneration, conditions of employment or working conditions of officers of the Authority and employees of the Authority; “remuneration” includes allowances for expenses, benefits-in-kind and superannuation; “sale” includes to offer for sale or to sell or to supply whether or not for profit and any cognate words shall be construed accordingly; “the Scientific Committee” means the committee established under section 34 ; “service contract” has the meaning assigned to it by section 48 ; “superannuation benefits” means pensions, gratuities and other allowances payable on resignation, retirement or death; “uncultivated foods” means foods which are not commercially produced or harvested, including wild mushrooms, fruit and berries and fish and game harvested through recreational activities. (2) In this Act— (a) a reference to a section or Schedule is to a section of, or Schedule to, this Act, unless it is indicated that reference to some other enactment is intended, (b) a reference to a subsection, paragraph or subparagraph is to the subsection, paragraph or subparagraph of the provision in which the reference occurs, unless it is indicated that reference to some other provision is intended, (c) a reference to an enactment shall be construed as a reference to that enactment as amended, adapted or extended by or under any subsequent enactment including this Act, and (d) a reference to a statutory instrument shall be construed as a reference to that instrument as amended, adapted or extended by any subsequent statutory instrument. Establishment day. 3.—The Minister shall by order appoint a day to be the establishment day for the purposes of this Act. Laying of orders and regulations before Houses of Oireachtas. 4.—Every order (other than an order made under section 3 or 44 ) and every regulation made by the Minister under this Act shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the order or regulation is passed by either such House within the next subsequent 21 days on which that House has sat after the order or regulation is laid before it, the order or regulation shall be annulled accordingly but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder. Amendment of Schedules. 5.—The Minister may, after consultation with the relevant Minister of the Government or other person having responsibility for the official agency concerned, by order amend the First or Second Schedule by making additions thereto or deletions therefrom. Prosecution of summary offences. 6.—(1) Proceedings in relation to a summary offence under this Act may be brought and prosecuted by the Authority. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 10 (4) of the Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851 , summary proceedings for an offence under this Act may be commenced at any time within 12 months from the date on which evidence sufficient in the opinion of the Authority to justify initiating the proceedings comes to the Authority's knowledge not being later than 5 years from the date on which the offence concerned was committed. Offences by bodies corporate. 7.—(1) Where an offence under this Act has been committed by a body corporate and is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of or to be attributable to any neglect or default on the part of a person being a director, manager, secretary or other officer of the body corporate, or a person who was purporting to act in any such capacity, that person as well as the body corporate shall be guilty of an offence and be liable to be proceeded against and punished as if he or she were guilty of the first-mentioned offence. (2) Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) shall apply in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his or her functions of management as if he or she were a director, manager or secretary of the body corporate. Expenses of Minister. 8.—The expenses incurred by the Minister in the administration of this Act shall, to such extent as may be sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas. PART II The Food Safety Authority of Ireland Establishment of Authority. 9.—(1) There shall stand established on the establishment day a body to be known as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, or in the Irish language as Údarás Sábháilteachta Bia na hÉireann, to perform the functions assigned to it by this Act. (2) The Authority shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and an official seal and power to sue and be sued in its corporate name and to acquire, hold and dispose of land or an interest in land and to acquire, hold and dispose of any other property. (3) The Authority shall have all such powers as are necessary for or incidental to the performance of its functions under this Act. Independence of Authority. 10.—The Authority shall, subject to this Act, be independent in the exercise of its functions. Principal function of Authority. 11.—The principal function of the Authority shall be to take all reasonable steps to ensure that— (a) food produced in the State (whether or not distributed or marketed in the State), and (b) food distributed or marketed in the State, meets the highest standards of food safety and hygiene reasonably available and it shall, in particular, take all reasonable steps to ensure that such food complies— (i) with food legislation in respect of food safety and hygiene standards, or (ii) where appropriate, with the provisions of generally recognised standards or codes of good practice aimed at ensuring the achievement of high standards of food hygiene and food safety. Promotion of standards. 12.—(1) In order to achieve the highest level of protection reasonably available in the interests of public health and consumer protection, the Authority shall promote, encourage and foster at all stages of food production, from primary production through to final use by the consumer, the establishment and maintenance of high standards of food hygiene and safety. (2) The Authority shall, for the purposes of subsection (1), undertake or arrange to have undertaken such activities as it deems appropriate to foster and promote such standards and shall carry out or arrange to have carried out such food inspections as are required to determine compliance with food legislation. (3) Without prejudice to the provisions of food legislation, the activities and food inspections to be undertaken by or on behalf of the Authority and referred to in subsection (2) shall be directed towards bringing about a general acceptance amongst producers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and caterers of the principle that, in respect of any food placed on the market, the primary responsibility for the safety and suitability of the food for human consumption is borne by them individually or, as appropriate, collectively, and, as a consequence, each of the parties mentioned shall take all reasonable steps to ensure, in so far as that party is concerned, the safety and hygienic standard of that food. (4) For the purpose of promoting higher standards, the Authority shall endeavour to consult representatives of consumers, producers, retailers, distributors, caterers and manufacturers and, where appropriate, official agencies about the activities or other measures to be undertaken. Food safety assurance schemes. 13.—(1) For the purposes of section 12 the Authority may, by itself or with such representatives of particular food business groups or organisations as it considers appropriate, establish schemes (in this section referred to as “food safety assurance schemes”) for the protection of consumer interests. (2) The Authority shall promote, encourage and facilitate the establishment of food safety assurance schemes which shall be established upon the best available practices and standards of food safety and hygiene available and have available such documentation and other evidence relating to raw materials, processing, preparation, packaging, storage and labelling of foodstuffs, as the Authority considers appropriate for the protection of consumer interests. (3) The Authority shall prepare guidelines to be observed by it in relation to the establishment of food safety assurance schemes. (4) Any such guidelines shall require the approval of the Board, following consultation with the Scientific Committee. (5) Subject to subsection (7), the Authority shall not participate in food safety assurance schemes. (6) The Authority may endorse its approval of any food safety assurance scheme on any terms and conditions which the Board may stipulate following consultation with the Scientific Committee and the Authority may withdraw any such endorsement. (7) The Authority shall monitor and report to the Board on the performance and implementation of food safety assurance schemes. (8) The Authority may publish reports in relation to food safety assurance schemes. (9) An official agency shall notify the Authority in relation to any food safety assurance scheme in which it is involved or supports and shall have regard to any advice of the Authority in relation to such involvement or support. Consultative Council. 14.—(1) The Authority shall for the purposes of the consultations referred to in section 12 (4) or for consultations on any other matter relating to the functions of the Authority, establish a body to be known as the Food Safety Consultative Council (referred to in this section as “the Council”). (2) The Council shall consist of not more than 24 members and shall be broadly based and representative. (3) The Council shall be established under such terms and conditions determined, before its establishment, by the Board, following consultations with the Minister. (4) The Minister may appoint not more than 12 members to the Council, of whom— (a) 2 shall have been nominated by the Minister for Agriculture and Food, (b) one shall have been nominated by the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, (c) one shall have been nominated by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and (d) one shall have been nominated by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, and the remainder shall be appointed by the Board. (5) Members of the Council shall be paid such allowances for expenses as the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, may from time to time determine. (6) The Authority shall have regard to any opinions expressed by the Council on any matter under review by the Authority. However, failure to consult the Council or to adopt a course of action on any matter corresponding to that proposed or supported by the Council shall not invalidate the decisions or actions of the Authority on the matter in question or on any other matter. (7) The Authority may publish the opinions of the Council. (8) The Board in the case of appointments made by it and the Minister in the case of appointments made by him or her, shall ensure, in so far as is practicable, an equitable balance between men and women. Advice of Authority. 15.—The Authority shall at the request of the Minister or of another Minister of the Government, provide to the Minister or that other Minister of the Government advice on issues relating to all or any of the matters listed in this section or may, on its own initiative, provide such advice on— (a) food-borne diseases, including food-borne zoonotic diseases, (b) nutritional aspects of food and the role of diet in public health, (c) statutory developments relating to food safety and hygiene, (d) technology and industrial practices relating to food and food preparation, (e) the organisation and administration of systems for the approval, licensing and registration and inspection of premises carrying on a food business, (f) food production including cultivation of crops, fruit and vegetables, the harvest of uncultivated foods, the cultivation and production of shellfish and breeding or rearing of animals for slaughter and for food production, (g) labelling and packaging of food (including materials used in packaging), (h) the scope for improved systems for the communication of information to the public on the safety and hygiene of food, including the safe handling of food in the home, and (i) any other matter relevant to food safety and hygiene, and may publish such advice. Collection and assessment of data. 16.—(1) The Authority may— (a) collect all food legislation, codes of conduct and other materials relevant to the functions of the Authority and may publish them in such form as it considers appropriate, and (b) collect information concerning the hygiene and safety of food that will facilitate the performance by it of its functions. (2) The Authority shall— (a) collect in such form, if any, as it may decide and assess statistical data on the official control of food, and (b) collect, assess or otherwise analyse such data relating to the production and consumption of food, as it sees fit or the Minister or any other Minister of the Government may, from time to time, request. (3) The Authority shall undertake such assessments of statistical data on food-borne diseases including food-borne zoonotic diseases as it considers appropriate or as the Minister or other Minister of the Government may, from time to time, request. (4) In this section “official control of food” includes the systems of inspection and control over the production, manufacturing, storage, sale or use of food required by or under any enactment. (5) An official agency concerned shall cooperate with the Authority in meeting the requirements of this section. (6) The Authority may in order to carry out its functions under this section require such person who it believes holds information which is relevant for those purposes to supply the information to the Authority and such person shall comply with such a requirement. Review of food inspection services. 17.—The Authority shall consider and keep under review the efficacy of the food inspection services for the time being in place and shall report at least annually to the Minister, or to such other Minister of the Government or other agency as may have responsibility for the carrying out, whether under a service contract or otherwise, of the particular food inspection service, on the scope for better coordination and delivery of the food inspection service or services. Research by Authority. 18.—(1) The Authority may undertake, commission or collaborate in research projects and activities on issues relating to food, and may, for this purpose, participate in research projects and activities on issues relating to food involving parties from outside the State. (2) In deciding whether to exercise its powers under subsection (1), the Authority shall have regard to any undertaking, commission or collaboration in such projects or activities by other persons in the State. Certification of food. 19.—(1) Without prejudice to the requirements of food legislation or any certification procedure operated by an official agency with regard to food for sale, the Authority may, if requested by any person and shall if requested by an official agency provide a system of certification of food for sale in such form in respect of the request as it considers appropriate. (2) The Authority may issue guidelines with respect to any certification provided by it under this section. Conferral of additional functions on Authority. 20.—(1) The Minister may, if he or she so thinks fit or if so requested by another Minister of the Government, following consultations with that other Minister of the Government and the Minister for Finance, by order— (a) confer on the Authority such additional functions connected with the functions for the time being of the Authority or activities that the Authority is authorised for the time being to undertake (including functions for the purpose of enforcing any directive, regulation or other act adopted by an institution of the European Communities in relation to food safety and hygiene) as he or she considers appropriate, and (b) make such provision as he or she considers necessary or expedient in relation to matters ancillary to or arising out of the conferral on the Authority of functions under this section or the performance by the Authority of functions so conferred. (2) The Minister may by order amend or revoke an order under this section (including an order under this subsection). Charges for services. 21.—(1) Subject to subsection (2), and having due regard to any other arrangements in place concerning any fees or charges arising in relation to the area of activity concerned, the Authority may make such charges as the Board considers appropriate in consideration of the performance by the Authority of its functions, the provision by it of services (other than a service consisting of the provision of advice for the Minister or another Minister of the Government) and the carrying on by it of activities and shall record receipts from such charges as income. (2) The determination of the amounts of charges referred to in subsection (1) shall be subject to the approval of the Minister following consultations with the Minister for Finance. (3) The Authority may recover, as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction, from the person by whom it is payable any amount due and owing to it under subsection (1). Gifts. 22.—(1) The Board may accept gifts on behalf of the Authority of money, land or other property, on such trusts, terms or conditions, if any, as may be specified by the donor. (2) The Board shall not accept a gift if the trusts, terms or conditions attached to it would be inconsistent with or prejudice the operational independence, effective performance or the functions of the Authority. (3) The Authority shall include details of any gift which exceeds, in the opinion of the Board, the value of £500, or such other amount as may stand specified for the time being in regulations made by the Minister, in the report under section 25 (1) for the year in which the gift is accepted. Borrowings by Authority. 23.—The Authority may, for the purpose of providing for current expenditure, from time to time, borrow money (whether on the security of the assets of the Authority or otherwise), including money in a currency other than the currency of the State, but shall not do so without the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Finance. Advances by Minister to Authority. 24.—The Minister may, from time to time, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, advance to the Authority out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas, such sums as the Minister may determine for the purposes of expenditure by the Authority in the performance of its functions. Reports and information to Minister. 25.—(1) As soon as may be after the end of the financial year of the Authority in which the establishment day falls and of each subsequent financial year of the Authority, but not later than 6 months thereafter, the Authority shall make a report to the Minister of its activities during that year and the Minister shall cause copies of the report to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas. (2) Each report under subsection (1) shall include information in such form and regarding such matters as the Minister may direct. (3) The Authority shall, whenever so requested by the Minister, furnish to the Minister information in relation to such matters as he or she may specify concerning or relating to the scope of its activities generally, or in respect of any account prepared by the Authority or any report specified in subsection (1) or the policy or activities, other than day to day activities, of the Authority. (4) The Authority may publish such other reports on matters related to its activities and functions, as may from time to time be considered relevant and appropriate by the Board. Accounts and audits. 26.—(1) The chief executive, following the agreement of the Board, shall submit estimates of income and expenditure to the Minister in such form, in respect of such periods, and at such times as may be required by the Minister and shall furnish to the Minister any information which the Minister may require in relation to such estimates, including proposals and future plans relating to the discharge by the Authority of its functions over a period of years, as required. (2) The chief executive, under the direction of the Board, shall cause to be kept on a continuous basis proper books of account of all income and expenditure of the Authority, and of the sources of such income and the subject matter of such expenditure, and of the property, assets and liabilities of the Authority and shall keep and shall account to the Board for all such special accounts as the Minister or the Board, with the consent of the Minister, may from time to time direct should be kept. (3) The financial year of the Authority shall be the period of 12 months ending on the 31st day of December in any year, and for the purposes of this section and section 25 the period commencing on the establishment day and ending on the following 31st day of December, shall be deemed to be a financial year. (4) The Board, the chief executive and the other officers of the Authority shall, whenever so requested by the Minister, permit any person appointed by the Minister to examine the books and accounts of the Authority in respect of any financial year or other period and shall facilitate any such examination, and the Authority shall pay such fee therefor as may be fixed by the Minister. (5) The accounts of the Authority for each financial year shall be prepared in such form and manner as may be specified by the Minister. The accounts shall be prepared by the chief executive and approved by the Board as soon as practicable but not later than three months after the end of the financial year to which they relate for submission to the Comptroller and Auditor General for audit. A copy of the accounts and the auditor's report thereon shall be presented to the members of the Board and to the Minister as soon as practicable and the Minister shall cause a copy of these documents to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas. (6) The chief executive shall be the accountable person in relation to the accounts of the Authority and shall, whenever he or she is so required by a Committee of Dáil Éireann established under Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann to examine and report to Dáil Éireann on the appropriation accounts and reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General, give evidence to that Committee on— (a) the regularity and propriety of the transactions recorded or required to be recorded in any account subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General which the chief executive or the Authority is required by or under statute to prepare, (b) the economy and efficiency of the Authority in the use of its resources, (c) the systems, procedures and practices employed by the Authority for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of its operations, and (d) any matter affecting the Authority referred to in a special report of the Comptroller and Auditor General under section 11 (2) of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993 , or in any other report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (in so far as it relates to a matter specified in paragraph (a), (b) or (c)) that is laid before Dáil Éireann. Premises of Authority. 27.—(1) The Authority may for the purposes of providing premises necessary for the due performance of its functions— (a) purchase or, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, take on lease any land, (b) build, equip and maintain offices and premises. (2) The Authority may sell or lease any land, offices or premises held by it which are no longer required for the due performance of its functions. Seal of Authority. 28.—(1) The Authority shall, as soon as may be after its establishment, provide itself with a seal. (2) The seal of the Authority shall be authenticated by the signature of— (a) the person appointed to chair the Board, or (b) (i) a member of the Board, or (ii) an officer of the Authority, authorised by the Board to act in that behalf. (3) Judicial notice shall be taken of the seal of the Authority and every document purporting to be an instrument made by the Authority and to be sealed with the seal of the Authority (purporting to be authenticated in accordance with subsection (2)) shall be received in evidence and be deemed to be such instrument without proof unless the contrary is shown. Consultants and advisers. 29.—The Authority may, subject to the prior approval of or at the request of the Board, from time to time engage such consultants or advisers as it may consider necessary for the performance of its functions and any fees payable by the Authority to a consultants or adviser engaged under this section shall be paid by the Authority out of moneys at its disposal. Authority may seek reports in relation to food safety and hygiene. 30.—(1) The Authority may seek reports on any matter which in its opinion concerns the safety or hygiene of food from the appropriate Minister of the Government or body established under statute that has overall responsibility for the area to which the matter pertains. (2) The Authority may make a report given to it under this section available to the Minister. PART III The Board, Scientific Committee, Committees, Chief Executive and Staff of the Authority Membership of Board of Authority and term of office of members. 31.—(1) There shall be a Board, to be known as the Board of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, to direct and carry out the functions of the Authority in accordance with this Act and it shall satisfy itself as to the adequacy of the systems in place for that purpose and it shall otherwise manage and review the workings of the Authority. (2) The Minister shall, as soon as may be after the establishment day, appoint persons to be members of the Board. (3) The Board shall consist of a chairperson and 9 ordinary members, one of whom shall be the chairperson of the Scientific Committee. (4) The Minister, when appointing an ordinary member of the Board, shall fix such member's period of membership which shall not exceed 5 years and, subject to this section, membership shall be on such terms as the Minister determines. (5) Four of the ordinary members of the Board appointed under subsection (2) shall hold office for a period not exceeding three years from the date of their appointment as determined by the Minister. (6) A member of the Board may at any time resign his or her membership by letter addressed to the Minister and the resignation shall take effect from the date specified therein or upon receipt of the letter by the Minister, whichever is the later. (7) A member of the Board may at any time be removed from membership of the Board by the Minister if, in the Minister's opinion, the member has become incapable through ill-health of performing his or her functions, or has committed stated misbehaviour, or his or her removal appears to the Minister to be necessary for the effective performance by the Authority of the functions of the Authority. (8) A member of the Board shall cease to be and shall be disqualified from being a member of that Board where such member— (a) is adjudicated bankrupt, (b) makes a composition or arrangement with creditors, (c) is sentenced by a court of competent jurisdiction to a term of imprisonment, or (d) is disqualified or restricted from being a director of any company (within the meaning of the Companies Acts, 1963 to 1990). (9) If a member of the Board dies, resigns, retires, becomes disqualified or is removed from office, the Minister may appoint a person to be a member of the Board to fill the casual vacancy so occasioned and the person so appointed shall be appointed in the same manner as the member of the Board who occasioned the casual vacancy. The person so appointed shall be appointed within 2 months of the Minister being notified of the vacancy. (10) A member of the Board whose period of membership expires by the effluxion of time shall be eligible for re-appointment as a member of the Board. (11) The Minister shall, in so far as is practicable, ensure an equitable balance between men and women in the composition of the Board. Chairperson of Board. 32.—(1) The term of office of the chairperson of the Board shall be 5 years. (2) Where the chairperson, of the Board ceases to be a member of the Board he or she shall also thereupon cease to be chairperson of the Board. (3) The chairperson of the Board may at any time resign his or her office as chairperson by letter sent to the Minister and the resignation shall, unless previously withdrawn in writing, take effect at the commencement of the meeting of the Board held next after the Board has been informed by the Minister of the resignation. (4) The chairperson of the Board shall, unless he or she sooner dies or otherwise ceases to be chairperson by virtue of subsection (2) or (3), hold office until the expiration of his or her period of membership of the Board and, if he or she is re-appointed as a member of the Board, he or she shall be eligible for re-appointment as chairperson of the Board. Meeting of Board. 33.—(1) The Board shall hold such and as many meetings as may be necessary for the performance of its functions. (2) The Minister, in consultation with the chairperson of the Board, shall fix the time of the first meeting of the Board. (3) The quorum for a meeting of the Board shall be 4. (4) At a meeting of the Board— (a) the chairperson of the Board shall, if present, be the chairperson of the meeting, and (b) if and so long as the chairperson of the Board is not present or if the office of the chairperson is vacant, the members of the Board who are present shall choose one of their members to be chairperson of the meeting. (5) At a meeting of the Board, each member of the Board present, including the chairperson, shall have a vote and any question on which a vote is required in order to establish the Board's view on the matter shall be determined by a majority of votes of the members of the Board present and voting on the question and, in the case of an equal division of votes, the chairperson of the meeting shall have a second and casting vote. (6) The Board may act notwithstanding one or more vacancies among its members. (7) Subject to this Act, the Board shall regulate, by standing orders or otherwise, the procedure and business of the Board. Scientific Committee. 34.—(1) There shall be established, as soon as may be after the establishment day, by the Board a committee (“the Scientific Committee”) to assist and advise the Board in relation to matters of a scientific nature referred to it by the Board and to perform the functions assigned to it by this section. (2) The Scientific Committee shall consist of not more than 15 members. (3) The Scientific Committee shall adopt rules and procedures for the conduct of its meetings and its activities generally and shall submit such rules and procedures to the Board for its approval. (4) The members (including the chairperson) of the Scientific Committee shall be appointed by the Minister following consultations with the Board. (5) The Minister when appointing a member of the Scientific Committee shall, in consultation with the Board— (a) fix such member's period of membership, (b) fix the terms of his or her membership, (c) have regard to the range of qualifications and experience necessary for the proper and effective discharge of the functions of the Scientific Committee, and in particular, have regard to such qualifications and experience in relation to food safety and hygiene, and (d) ensure, in so far as is practicable, an equitable balance between men and women in any appointments. (6) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Scientific Committee shall advise the Board where requested by the Board on matters relating to— (a) scientific and technical questions relating to food safety and hygiene, (b) the implementation and administration of food inspection services, and (c) the nutritional value or content of food. (7) The Board may specify a period within which advice on matters referred to the Scientific Committee shall be given by the Scientific Committee. (8) The Board shall not act on any matter it has referred to the Scientific Committee until the Board has received advice from the Scientific Committee on the matter within the time period specified by the Board. (9) The Scientific Committee may, having established to the best of its ability the budgetary and other resource implications and having— (a) advised the Board on any matter referred to it by the Board, undertake such other or further investigation, assessment, research or examination into the matter as the Scientific Committee considers appropriate, or (b) first informed the Board, initiate an investigation, assessment or examination of any matter related to food safety and hygiene as the Scientific Committee considers appropriate. (10) Where the Scientific Committee undertakes or initiates anything referred to in subsection (9), the Board may set a time limit for receipt by it of the Scientific Committee's advice and the Board shall take no action on or in relation to the subject matter so undertaken or initiated until such time limit has expired or advice has been received, whichever first occurs. (11) Where the Board has not set such a time limit for receipt of the Scientific Committee's advice on any matter undertaken or initiated by it under subsection (9), the Board may, at its own discretion, delay or defer any action on or in relation to the subject matter undertaken or initiated until advice by the Scientific Committee has been given to it. (12) The Scientific Committee shall give advice under this section to the Board through the chairperson of the Scientific Committee. (13) The advice of the Scientific Committee given under this section may be published by the Board. Subcommittees. 35.—(1) The Board or, as appropriate, the Scientific Committee may from time to time establish subcommittees to advise it in relation to the performance of its functions. (2) The Board or the Scientific Committee may appoint to a subcommittee established under this section persons who have a special knowledge and experience related to the purposes of the subcommittee. (3) The appointment of a person to a subcommittee established under this section shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Board or the Scientific Committee may determine. (4) The Board or Scientific Committee may at any time dissolve a subcommittee established by it under this section. (5) The acts of a subcommittee established under this section shall be subject to confirmation by the Board or Scientific Committee, as appropriate, unless the Board or Scientific Committee dispenses with the necessity for confirmation. (6) The Board or Scientific Committee may regulate the procedure of a subcommittee established under this section, but, subject to any such regulation, a subcommittee established under this section may regulate its own procedure. (7) The Board or, as the case may be, the Scientific Committee shall ensure an equitable balance between men and women in the composition of a subcommittee established by it under this section. Remuneration and allowances. 36.—There may be paid to the members of the Board (including the chairperson) and members of the Scientific Committee and any subcommittee established under section 35 such remuneration (if any) and such allowances for expenses incurred by them as the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, may from time to time determine. Chief executive of Authority. 37.—(1) There shall be a chief officer of the Authority who shall be known, and is referred to in this Act, as the chief executive. (2) The chief executive shall be appointed by the Board and may be removed from office at any time for stated reasons by the Board with the consent of the Minister. (3) The chief executive shall carry on and manage and control generally the administration and business of the Authority and perform such other functions as may be determined by the Board. (4) The chief executive shall hold office for such term and upon and subject to such other terms and conditions (including terms and conditions relating to remuneration) as may be determined by the Minister after consultation with the Board and with the consent of the Minister for Finance and shall be paid out of moneys at the disposal of the Authority in accordance with section 24 . (5) The chief executive may make proposals to the Board on any matter relating to the activities of the Authority. (6) The chief executive shall not hold any other office or position or carry on any business without the consent of the Board. (7) The chief executive shall not be a member of the Board or of the Scientific Committee or a subcommittee established under section 35 , but he or she may, in accordance with procedures established by the Board, attend meetings of the Board, Scientific Committee, or any such subcommittees and shall be entitled to speak and advise the relevant meeting. Staff of Authority. 38.—(1) The Board may appoint such and such number of persons to be members of the staff of the Authority as it may determine with the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Finance. (2) The grades of the staff of the Authority and the numbers of staff in each grade and the appropriate level of remuneration for each grade shall be determined by the Board with the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Finance. (3) A member of the staff of the Authority shall— (a) be paid, out of moneys advanced to the Authority in accordance with section 24 , such remuneration and allowances for expenses incurred by him or her as the Board may, with the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Finance, determine, and (b) hold his or her office or employment for such term upon and subject to such other conditions (including terms and conditions relating to remuneration) as may be determined by the Minister after consultation with the Board and with the consent of the Minister for Finance. (4) Every person who immediately before the establishment day is a member of the staff of the former Authority shall, on that day, be transferred to and become a member of the staff of the Authority. (5) Save in accordance with a collective agreement negotiated with any recognised trade unions or staff associations concerned, a person referred to in subsection (4) shall not, while in the service of the Authority, receive a lesser scale of pay or be made subject to less beneficial terms and conditions of service (including those relating to tenure of office) than the scale of pay to which he or she was entitled and the terms and conditions of service (including conditions relating to tenure of office) to which he or she was subject immediately before the establishment day. (6) A member of the staff of an official agency may, being a person or of a class of person designated for the purpose by the Minister of the Government or other person having responsibility for the official agency concerned, and subject to subsection (7) generally and to the consent of the Minister of the Government having responsibility for the official agency concerned, be transferred to the Authority. (7) Save in accordance with a collective agreement negotiated with any recognised trade unions and associations concerned and with the relevant official agency concerned, and with the consent of the Minister and Minister for Finance a member of the staff of an official agency transferred to the staff of the Authority under subsection (6), shall not, while he or she is in the service of the Authority, receive a lesser scale of pay or be made subject to less beneficial terms and conditions of service (including those relating to tenure of office) than the scale of pay to which he or she was entitled and the terms and conditions of service (including those relating to tenure of office) to which he or she was subject immediately before his or her transfer. Superannuation. 39.—(1) The Authority shall prepare and submit to the Minister a scheme or schemes for the granting of superannuation benefits to or in respect of such members of the staff of the Authority as it may think fit. (2) Every such scheme shall fix the time and conditions of retirement for all persons to or in respect of whom superannuation benefits are payable under the scheme or schemes and different times and conditions may be fixed in respect of different classes of persons. (3) Every such scheme may be amended or revoked by a subsequent scheme prepared, submitted and approved under this section. (4) A scheme submitted by the Authority under this section shall, if approved by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance, be carried out by the Board in accordance with its terms. (5) Superannuation benefits granted under schemes under this section to persons who, immediately before the establishment day, were members of the staff of the former Authority and the terms and conditions relating to those benefits shall not be less favourable to those persons than those to which they were entitled immediately before that day. (6) No superannuation benefit shall be granted by the Authority nor shall any other arrangements be entered into by the Authority for the provision of such a benefit to or in respect of a member of the staff of the Authority otherwise than in accordance with a scheme under this section or with the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Finance. (7) If any dispute arises as to the claim of any person to, or the amount of, any superannuation benefit payable in pursuance of a scheme or schemes under this section, such dispute shall be submitted to the Minister who shall refer it to the Minister for Finance, whose decision shall be final. (8) Where, in the period beginning on the establishment day and ending immediately before the commencement of a scheme under this section, a superannuation benefit falls due for payment to or in respect of a person who was transferred to the staff of the Authority under section 38 , the benefit shall be calculated by the Authority in accordance with such scheme, or such enactments in relation to superannuation, as applied to the person immediately before the establishment day and, for that purpose, his or her pensionable service with the Authority shall be aggregated with his or her previous pensionable service and shall be paid by the Authority. (9) A scheme under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the scheme is passed by either such House within the next 21 days on which that House has sat after the scheme is laid before it, the scheme shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder. Membership of either House of Oireachtas, European Parliament, local authority or health board. 40.—(1) Where a member of the Board— (a) is nominated as a member of Seanad Éireann, (b) is elected as a member of either House of the Oireachtas or as a representative in the European Parliament, (c) is regarded pursuant to section 19 of the European Parliament Elections Act, 1997 , as having been elected to the European Parliament to fill a vacancy, (d) becomes a member of a local authority, or (e) becomes a member of the board of a health board, he or she shall thereupon cease to be a member of the Board. (2) Where a member of the staff of the Authority— (a) is nominated as a member of Seanad Éireann, (b) is elected as a member of either House of the Oireachtas or as a representative in the European Parliament, or (c) is regarded, pursuant to section 19 of the European Parliament Elections Act, 1997 , as having been elected to the European Parliament to fill a vacancy, he or she shall thereupon stand seconded from his or her employment with the Author …