The long-awaited arrival of the food ombudsman is one step closer, as Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has launched a public consultation on the primary legislation needed to establish the new office.

The minister said that he wants the food ombudsman to bring a greater level of transparency to all parts of the supply chain.

“The outcome of this consultation will help to determine the principles and policies to be included in the new legislation and the powers to be assigned to the new office.

"I encourage all stakeholders to participate in the consultation to help define the future role of the new office,” Minister McConalogue said.

“I expect to announce shortly the transposition of the UTP directive as it stands through secondary legislation, a statutory instrument.

“This consultation includes an opportunity for input from the public on additional functions that can and should be assigned to the new office.”

The consultation will stay open until Wednesday 26 May.

A link to the consultation can be found here.