Vol. 456 No. 7
49 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if the targets he announced for recruitment of extra advisers for the development of Teagasc have been abandoned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14577/95]
143 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he has yet delivered on his commitment made in his first week in office regarding the appointment of new staff in Teagasc; the date upon which they took up appointment; and whether the appointment of the researchers and advisors has been sanctioned. [14693/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 143 together. I refer the Deputies to the Government decision of 6 June which decided that with effect from 9 June 1995 there will be no recruitment to any additional posts paid for directly or indirectly out of public funds, unless specifically approved by the Government in advance.
The staffing needs of Teagasc are at present the subject of ongoing discussions between that organisation, my Department and the Department of Finance with a view to the preparation of a memorandum for Government on the matter.
I should mention that prior to the June decision 44 new permanent staff had been appointed to Teagasc as well as 28 temporary staff for work relating to REPS and in addition sanction has been given for the appointment of a number of extra staff on a self financing basis.
