562. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has completed or commissioned an updated assessment of population-wide folic acid exposure in Ireland, taking account of existing voluntary fortification, dietary intake and folic acid entering the Irish market through fortified flour imported from the United Kingdom; and, if so, if she will publish the assessment and underlying data before making any decision to introduce mandatory fortification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66548/26]

568. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has carried out or commissioned an updated assessment of population-wide folic acid exposure in Ireland, taking account of existing voluntary fortification, dietary intake and folic acid entering the Irish market through flour and food products imported from the United Kingdom; if she will publish that assessment before any decision is made to introduce mandatory fortification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66568/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 562 and 568 together.

Fortification of flour in Ireland is conducted on a voluntary basis. The addition of vitamins and minerals to foods is regulated by means of Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006, on the addition of vitamins and minerals and of certain other substances to foods, which aims to ensure that fortified foods are safe, and to allow for the proper functioning of the internal market. It specifies which vitamins and minerals may be added and provides mechanisms intended to protect consumers. This regulation permits the addition of folic acid to foods in compliance with its rules.

My Department has considered the implications of the United Kingdom's decision to introduce folic acid fortification of non-wholemeal flour, particularly in light of Ireland's reliance on imported flour. Products containing fortified flour placed on the Irish market must comply with all applicable food safety, compositional and labelling requirements.

A public consultation on the proposed mandatory fortification of non-wholemeal flour with folic acid commenced on 13 July 2026 and will remain open until 5 October 2026. It seeks the views of the public, healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders and other interested parties. No decision will be made on the introduction of mandatory fortification before the consultation has closed and the submissions have been fully considered.

Should the Government decide to introduce mandatory fortification in Ireland, national legislation would be required. The nature and scope of any measure would be determined following completion of the consultation and the associated policy, scientific, legal and regulatory assessment.

The Department has also commissioned food modelling work to determine safe levels of folic acid fortification using the most up to date National Dietary Consumption Survey Data. This modelling work will provide an updated assessment of population-wide folic acid exposure in Ireland taking into account existing voluntary fortification and dietary intake. This report is due later this year. Any future policy position will be evidence-based and informed by the consultation findings, public health considerations and engagement with relevant stakeholders and expert bodies.