asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the number of (a) whole time and (b) part-time veterinary inspectors in the service of local authorities at 31st March, 1970, 31st March, 1971, and 31st March, 1972; their duties; and if he is satisfied that their numbers are adequate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Veterinary Inspectors.
66.
There were 20 whole time and 146 part time veterinary inspectors in the service of local authorities at the 31st March, 1970, and again at the 31st March, 1971. The corresponding figures at the 31st March, 1972 were 21 and 146, respectively.
The duties of a local authority veterinary inspector are (a) those appropriate to the office under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Acts, 1878 to 1948, the Milk and Dairies Acts, 1935 and 1956, the Health Act, 1947, the Slaughter of Animals Act, 1935, and the Diseases of Animals Act, 1966, and (b) such other veterinary duties as the employing local authority or the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries may, from time to time, direct or require as appropriate to the office.
There are two areas in which the local veterinary inspection service might be improved. My Department have been pursuing the matter with the local authorities concerned.
Is the Minister satisfied there is adequate staff? Is it not the case, on his own reply just now, that these men have very wide duties to perform? The numbers indicated, particularly in view of the fact that most of them are only part-time, would not appear to be at all adequate.
I do not accept that.