asked the Minister for Agriculture the extent to which the staff of each district veterinary office has been, or will be, increased to ensure the enforcement of the recently announced disease eradication measures.
Written Answers. - Veterinary Services.
131.
The staff at each district veterinary office will be augmented, as necessary, to ensure the effective implementation of the disease eradication measures. A number of additional posts have already been authorised and arrangements for the filling of these are at an advanced stage.
132.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the area to be covered per veterinarian in Connacht is 135 square kilometres, where the national average is one veterinarian per 58 square kilometres; and if he is satisfied therefore that sufficient veterinarians will be available at reasonable cost to carry out pre-movement testing in Connacht.
I am aware of the figures quoted in the recently published study on veterinary practice in Ireland.
The area comparison, to be realistic, would, of course, need to take account of such factors as the relative stocking densities, the categories of stock carried and the varying demands on veterinarians in relation to small animal practice. The study referred to disclosed no deficiency in the veterinary services available in Connacht and I am satisfied that the services will be able to handle the volume of pre-movement testing likely to arise in the province.