Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 6

Written Answers. - Training of Agricultural Officers.

Michael Bell

Question:

122 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason the terms of EU Council Directive 91/497/EEC regarding the training of agricultural officer grades has not been applied; the third level institutions, if any, that have been requested to provide training courses for these auxiliaries in accordance with the fresh meat directives; if so, the result of these requests; the third level institutions, if any, that are giving favourable consideration to these requests; when he intends to implement the terms of this directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5187/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

My Department is fully committed to implementing this directive. The delay in commencing training for Agricultural Officer grades under Directive 91/497/EEC is due mainly to problems in finding an institution capable of providing the necessary training programme and facilities. At present, consultants Ernst and Young are doing an in-depth study on the meat inspection service. It is proposed to await the consultants report before finalising the training programme under the directive.

The following third level institutions, University College Dublin, the University of Limerick and its extra mural family, Plassey Management and Technology Centre, have indicated that they are not in a position to provide the required facilities. University College Cork has also been requested to provide training and is considering the request.

I can confirm that the Department will continue with its efforts to ensure that facilities will be provided to train the necessary number of staff in accordance with Directive 91/497/EEC.