3511. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if she has been consulted regarding proposed EU measures to introduce harmonised maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements; the position Ireland has taken on these proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56667/26]

3512. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if an assessment has been carried out regarding the impact of proposed EU maximum nutrient levels on consumer access to food supplements currently available in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56668/26]

3516. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has assessed the extent to which commonly used supplements, including vitamin C, vitamin D and magnesium products currently available in Ireland, could be affected by proposed EU Maximum Permitted Levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56733/26]

3517. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the evidence that has been presented to Ireland by the European Commission or other EU bodies indicating that vitamin and mineral supplements currently sold in compliance with Irish and EU food safety legislation present a significant public health concern requiring further restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56734/26]

3518. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the way in which Ireland intends to ensure that the interests of consumers who choose to use food supplements as part of their personal health and wellbeing regime are represented during ongoing EU negotiations on Maximum Permitted Levels for nutrients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56735/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 3511, 3512 and 3516 to 3518, inclusive, together.

I am aware of the ongoing work of the European Commission in relation to the possible setting of harmonised maximum permitted amounts for vitamins and minerals in food supplements and fortified foods. These potential maximum levels remain under consideration at EU level and no final proposal has been published or agreed.

The Department of Health has been monitoring developments closely and has engaged with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), which provides the relevant scientific and technical expertise in this area. The Department is also considering information provided through discussions at EU level and by relevant stakeholders.

The European Commission has indicated that any future maximum amounts would be based on scientific evidence, including safety assessments undertaken by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), dietary intake data and consideration of population requirements. The objective is to protect consumers from excessive intake of vitamins and minerals while maintaining access to safe products.

As the Commission has not yet published proposed maximum levels, a comprehensive assessment of the impact on consumer access to individual food supplements currently available in Ireland has not been completed. However, the Department is actively monitoring the process and will carefully consider any future proposals, including their potential implications for consumers, public health and access to appropriate food supplements in Ireland.

Any position adopted by Ireland will be informed by the available scientific evidence, EFSA advice, input from the FSAI, relevant public health considerations, stakeholder views and discussions with other Member States.