asked the Minister for Agriculture when a district veterinary office will be established in Longford town; and the reasons for the delay in doing so over the past two years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Longford Proposed Veterinary Office.
19.
It is my intention to establish a local office in Longford town as soon as suitable accommodation can be procured by the Office of Public Works. Premises which would have met the needs of my Department were available in Longford in 1983 but, due to financial restrictions, the Office of Public Works could not proceed with their leasing. I understand that as funds are now available, the Office of Public Works is considering a number of premises at that location and expect to make a decision regarding the leasing of one of them shortly.
(Limerick West): Will the Minister indicate the time scale involved?
No, the Office of Public Works are considering a number of locations. It will be done as quickly as possible. There is no problem as long as the money is available.
(Limerick West): Will the Minister indicate the reason for the delay? He said that money was not available but his Department are promoting disease eradication while another Department are not providing the premises to accommodate staff to operate that scheme. Will the Minister accept that disease eradication in Longford may be set back because of the lack of facilities for the staff?
I am aware of that.
Will the Minister accept that County Longford has had a bad history with regard to the disease eradication programme? Will he give us an indication as to why it has taken until 1985 to make a decision as to when the DVO will be opened? When will the office be opened?
As soon as suitable premises are found. The money is there to provide the accommodation.
(Limerick West): Is the Minister aware that a decision was taken by the previous Government to open an office in that town? Why is it that that was not proceeded with?
I have stated clearly that it was because the money was not available in 1983.
(Limerick West): It was not made available by the Government. So much for disease eradication.
I have said that the money is available now and I am at a loss to understand why there is such confusion and so many supplementary questions.