SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC ANALYSTS

That this House notes the importance of public analysts as part of the wider framework of food quality checks; recognises the crucial role of public analysts in Ireland and Northern Ireland by enforcing the recall of all Irish-produced pork products after they identified that animal feed contaminated with the harmful toxins had infected pig products; notes with concern that 11 public analyst laboratories have closed in the last 13 years; is alarmed that there are currently only 24 public analyst laboratories left; is deeply concerned that poor funding means that the wider public health role of public analysts is in danger despite the increasing demand by consumers for better quality goods; and calls on the Government to conduct a review of arrangements for the funding of public analysts to ensure that food quality and safety is not compromised by spending restrictions.