Vol. 429 No. 4
66 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the grade and the area of work of the official of his Department, who, according to the recent report of the Comptroller and Auditor General, earned £43,231 in overtime payments during 1991; the number of hours of work represented by these payments; the steps, if any, he is taking to reduce such excessive use of overtime; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The overtime payment referred to was made to an agricultural officer working in the meat inspection area. The payment relates to work done in two different years i.e. £12,451.61 for work done in 1990 and £30,779.39 for work done in 1991.
The £43,231 relates to 3,670 hours worked but payment was made at overtime rates. The circumstances which gave rise to the level of overtime involved in this case is under investigation.
I have been concerned at the level of overtime working in certain areas of my Department. Following a recent review, a budget control system has been introduced for the meat inspection service area. I expect that there will be a significant reduction in overtime working under this arrangement.
