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HEALTH MINISTER SIMON Harris has ruled out any new law to regulate the tattooing and body piercing industry in Ireland.
Proposed legislation was introduced in the Dáil last year by Fianna Fáil’s public health spokesperson Mary Butler to ban tattoos and intimate piercings for people under the age of 18.
With the Bill currently only at second stage, Harris has confirmed that no plans are afoot to introduce further regulation or legislation in the area of tattooing and body piercing.
In a recent answer to a parliamentary question the minister added that there is no licensing or regulation of the tattooing or body piercing industries in Ireland.
In the absence of any statutory framework being in place, Harris said his department and the Health Service Executive are working together to develop guidelines in relation to tattooing and body piercing businesses.
These guidelines are currently in the process of being finalised, he said.
The minister said it is anticipated that the publication of the guidance document “will promote and enhance evidence based best practice in hygiene standards and infection control”.
He said discussions will be held shortly with the HSE in relation to the publication, dissemination and support following publication of the guidance document.
“Given the absence of a clear statutory framework and the need to obtain expert views in relation to the area, some delays arose in relation to finalising the final text of the guidelines – however, it is expected that they will be published shortly,” he added.
Long delays
The issuing of guidelines was first discussed as far back as 2014, when the then health minister James Reilly said an ongoing review by the Department of Health on a set of guidelines was being drawn up.
In 2015, it was then announced that a consultation process was beginning with submissions to be published in 2016.
But three years on, there has been little or no movement.
The HSE states clearly on its website that no regulation of such businesses in Ireland.
“There are no registration requirements, no minimum structural or operational standards to be attained before opening such a business, no basic training requirements for staff and no age of consent/ medical history requirements for those availing of such services.
“Consequently these premises are not included in any inspection programme by Environmental Health Officers and receive no regular or routine visits from any statutory inspectorate.”
The HSE states that the while there is no specific legislation governing the sector, Environmental Health Officers do follow-up and investigate confirmed cases of infectious disease linked to such businesses.
Harris said that once the guidance document is published, it will set out a standard of practice in relation to infection prevention and control which the minister said all operators should adhere to.
“This will help to drive up standards and provide a safe environment for clients and practitioners,” he added.
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I just can’t wait to eat out again. This nearly brought a tear to my eye. Well done to all. I absolutely believe Irish food is the best in the world.
@Pat O’Brien: latest addition is Turkish … Dede…
@Terry Cahill: He”s had it in a different restaurant in Baltimore before too. A wizard.
What about Supermacs Salthill
@Alan Cowdell-Browne: That’s on the 3 star list Alan
@Seán Óg: ah, that’s ok then. Thought it had been completely overlooked.
@Alan Cowdell-Browne: After about 25-30 pints in O Conners I’d give it a star.
@Alan Cowdell-Browne:
only after midnight and full of pints
Congratulations to all. I’m salivating at the thought of a night out at one of these fine establishments!
An absolute joke that Lignum in Loughrea did not get the nod.
@John Killeen: Lignum is a relative newcomer given that it opened in 2019 and was closed for the majority of 2020. It’s a serious contender for next year.
@Aoife Mac Cana: Aimsir opened in 2019 too and is a 2*
@John Killeen: was really expecting to see Enzos in ennis to make the list too
@Peter Cavey: Jordan Bailey came from a 3* to open Aimsir, and had more than a full year in business for repeat visits by judges, Lignum not so.
@Aoife Mac Cana: fair enough, I didn’t know that.
@Aoife Mac Cana: next year maybe
@John Killeen: Lignum isnt even close to the standard required. I have been to most of the others too.
Lignum was by far the most overhyped experience I had in 2020
Now it is possible that we had a bad night. But it was pretty poor.
Service in particular was shocking and the sommelier very rude
The sad thing in this is most of these restaurants were only open for 2 and a half months like so many others… well done all!
Good that we have the names here, good to have a list of places to avoid when we do eventually get to eat out.
@Gavin Linden: If there was a Michelin star for begrudgery, you’d win hands down.
@Gavin Linden: What’s your logic?
@Seán Óg: Not a bit Sean. I have indicated that they are a list of places for me to avoid, not suggesting any one else should. Personally I prefer simple honest food that is presented in substantially sufficient portions to both enjoy and to actually feel fed after. The amount of pretentious nonsense attributed to ‘award winning’ restaurants and the constant bs discussed on practically every radio and tv by gobsheens about cooking a bloody meal is unreal. I’ll add to that any place that includes the ‘gourmet’ in their literature gets a wide berth from me too. Normally just an excuse to throw an extra fiver on a crap burger with a slice of aldi processed cheese on top and a tea cup with six chips. Oh and least I forget it’ll most likely be served with a Ballymaloo relish,the only thing I have yet to see that muck been offered on is atop a pint of Guinness. But hey, here’s hoping.
Me? begrudging? No way…
@Gavin Linden: That’s a mighty big chip on your shoulder Gavin. Would you like some Ballymaloe relish to go with it?
@Seán Óg: Ha Ha, good man Sean. I’d say it’s actually a balanced opinion. I’ve a chip on both shoulders. Dam, that leaves only four ‘special hand cut chips’ in me cup.. probably a waste ordering the relish. Anyway, thats my rant for today..
@Gavin Linden: you’d prefer a gravy to a jus?
@Eugene Norman: On da ball Norman good man, you have me sussed. By the way thats another one word on my list of offending vocabulary on a restaurant publication.
@Gavin Linden: do you know that one of the criteria for obtaining a Michelin Star is that you serve decent sized portions?
Variety Jones is extraordinary- the brothers Higgs have surely found their boson.
Pity they won’t get the chance to prove it.
@Paul Gorry: But they did prove it. That’s why they received the award.
@Seán Óg: beg to differ i like to taste the food myself.
@Paul Gorry: I’m sure they won’t put their plaques up until you’ve given them the thumbs up! ;0)
@Seán Óg: The only thing going up is their prices Sean. They can stick their plagues were the sun don’t shine.
@Paul Gorry: Yawn. Why are some people so begrudging towards others who work extremely hard to get to the top? I’m sure KFC is more your scene Paul, I hear the bargain bucket is finger lickin good.
@Seán Óg: yawn why do some people belittle KFC sean? Most are franchised employing people and work extremely hard. Stop speculating on my scene by the way.
@Paul Gorry: Can you point out where I belittled KFC? You’ve just belittled the hard work so many people put in to get a Michelin star. Amadán.
Kilkenny doing well.
@Eugene Norman: yes Mr Kelly is ahead of the posse in that part of the World !
Congratulations to all! Looking forward to eating out again
I remember going to a ‘top’ restaurant once and having to go to the chipper afterwards cause I was still bleedin hungry.
And none North of the imaginary squiggly line?
@Dpm101: Eipic, Ox and The Muddlers Club, all in Belfast. Have eaten in The Muddlers Club. Exceptional is an understatement.
Can’t wait for Variety Jones to be back
Will their finish at home version be as good for those who live within 5km?
have your say