Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 Nov 1994

Vol. 446 No. 7

Written Answers. - Veterinary Laboratory Service.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

92 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether his attention has been drawn to the difficulties which will arise for farmers and veterinary surgeons in view of the decision of the Cork regional veterinary laboratory to no longer accept or process specimens on Saturdays although disease situations do not occur within the framework of a five day week; and whether he will have arrangements made to ensure a continuation of the excellent service which has been forthcoming from the laboratory over the years. [2729/94]

Avril Doyle

Question:

142 Mrs. Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry with reference to Parliamentary Question No. 209 of 18 October 1994, the arrangements, if any, that are in place to deal with emergencies by the Department veterinary service. [2752/94]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

I propose to take Question Nos. 92 and 142 together.

I am satisfied that farmers and veterinary practitioners in general are adequately catered for by arrangements which have always been in place within my Department to deal with veterinary emergencies. These arrangements are independent of the opening hours of the Department's veterinary laboratories. In the event of any particular disease emergency, all resources required to deal with the disease including, if necessary, the services of all the Department's veterinary laboratories are, and will continue to be, activated. The emergency arrangements include a special after-office-hours on-call service in every District Veterinary Office.