asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will assist in the reduction of the personnel of the Civil Service by the amalgamation of the positions of inspector under the land project and parish agent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Project Personnel.
I am satisfied that the parish agents who operate in the congested districts and the staff engaged on land reclamation are fully occupied with their present duties and I cannot see how the amalgamation of these grades could lead to a reduction in the total number of officers, unless the services rendered to the farming community were to be reduced.
In view of the limited area in which parish agents operate, and in order to expedite projects under the land project, may I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if it would not be possible to amalgamatethese services, or at least have some liaison between the parish agent and the land project inspector?
The Department is evidently satisfied that the two sets of officers are fully engaged on their present assignment of duties. I think the Deputy must be aware that the parish agent, formerly known as the assistant agricultural overseer, has a number of congested district schemes to administer.