Some processed pig meat products used by HSE sourced outside state

SOME processed pig meat products purchased by the Health Service Executive comes from outside Ireland.

This was revealed by the HSE in a reply to Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey, who had tabled a Dáil question to Health Minister Mary Harney on the source of pig meat products that the HSE buys.

The HSE in a direct reply to Mr Carey stated that the majority of fresh pork, ham and bacon it purchases is sourced through the Irish market.

However, in line with EU competition law some processed products may come from within the EU member states. It confirmed that currently pork, ham and bacon products used in HSE West (counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon) are of Irish origin with the exception of rashers which are Danish.

All pork, ham and bacon products currently used in HSE North West (counties Sligo, Donegal and Leitrim) are of Irish origin.

While some pork, ham and bacon products currently used in HSE Mid-West (Co Limerick, Co Clare and north Tipperary) are of Irish origin, some products are also used from Holland, Germany and Northern Ireland. The HSE said it purchases pork products from Denmark, Holland, Germany and Northern Ireland.

It pointed out that pork, ham and bacon products used across the HSE are sourced through a tender process which is an open and transparent process in line with regulations.

Best practice is applied to securing products and as part of the tender process suppliers would have to demonstrate that they are licensed to operate as a food supplier with appropriate facilities.

Mr Carey said the reply shows that three separate procurement bodies within HSE West, with offices, staff and other associated jobs, are doing the same work, at a time when health budgets are stretched to the limit.

“It shows also that there is no coherent strategy or system for sourcing pig meat products within the HSE. Some regions are importing. Others are sourcing from different parts of the country.

“I believe that at a time when government ministers are calling on Irish consumers to do their patriotic duty and buy Irish, then the least we can expect is for government departments to do the same. This is clearly not the case within the HSE.”

Mr Carey said he had written to the HSE and to the health minister seeking an explanation.