Vol. 418 No. 7
74 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the procedural and operational changes he proposes to introduce into the operation of his Department so as to give effect to the Taoiseach's statement of his commitment to open Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As the organisation responsible for the agriculture and food industry the services of my Department impact not only on those directly and indirectly involved in the industry but on consumers in general. These services are delivered through staff located in centres and offices throughout the country.
It has always been the policy of my Department to give every assistance to the individuals, groups and interests with whom it comes into contact. Indeed, under the Programme for Economic and Social Progress regular meetings are held with the social partners to ensure all the relevant matters are discussed in detail.
Notwithstanding the foregoing and in order to ensure that my Department can adjust and respond quickly to the demands and changes in the agricultural and related environments, I have taken a number of measures since my appointment as Minister, namely;
(a) I have accepted in full the recommendations of a special task force set up to streamline the operation of the whole livestock headage and premia schemes. People entitled to payments under those schemes, which now make up a significant portion of farm incomes, will in future receive every help and assistance in getting those payments. A new computer and peripheral equipment, which is necessary to support these and other systems, has been installed and will shortly be operational.
