Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Nov 1994

Vol. 447 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Office Extension.

Enda Kenny

Question:

237 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the square footage of office space occupied by his Department in Davitt House, Castlebar, County Mayo; the reason no facilities exist for discussions in any degree of privacy with farmer applicants for agriculture grants and subsidies; when the offices occupied by his Department were last painted; the reason the foyer at the entrance to Davitt House was converted for storage use; the reason he has not directed that the offices of his Department be open for longer periods to deal with public claims and queries; when he last visited Davitt House, Castlebar, County Mayo to see the problems being experienced by staff there at first hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter and have arrangements made to have improvement works carried out forthwith. [3169/94]

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

The area of office space (excluding storage) occupied by my Department in Michael Davitt House is 15,800 sq.ft. Storage space in that office was inadequate and this necessitated the construction of storage rooms in part of the foyer of Michael Davitt House.

On my most recent visit to that office in June 1994. I noted the problems experienced by the staff there and following that visit, arrangements were set in train to secure the construction of an extension to Michael Davitt House and to carry out other improvement works. This much needed extension will provide additional space for personnel as well as a larger reception area with private interview rooms. Limited facilities are available in the Castlebar office to meet farmers. However as there are 14,168 herdowners in Mayo, the Deputy will appreciate that it is not practical to provide private office facilities for all interviews with individual farmers.

The decision to restrict public opening hours was taken to enable staff resources to concentrate on expediting payments under the livestock and headage schemes and this decision has contributed to the greatly improved position in regard to 1994 premium and headage payments. The position will, however, be kept under review.