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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 3

Written Answers. - Transfer of Agricultural Officers.

Noel Treacy

Question:

72 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the grave consequences for farmers throughout the country as a result of the current relocation of agricultural officers to other duties and the non-replacement of retired/ill staff; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that files cannot be processed for various applications and the difficulties this is creating for farmers and agricultural services; if he will review the situation and ensure that each district is allocated sufficient staff to meet current demands in view of this serious situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20730/96]

In light of the serious difficulties being experienced by farmers as a result of the BSE crisis and the urgent need to ensure the continued effective operation of the beef intervention system to help to underpin the market at this critical time it has been necessary, on an ongoing basis, to temporarily transfer some staff from other work areas to meat inspection duties.

However, I can confirm that my Department is continuing to meet the various controls required under the various schemes, files continue to be processed on an on-going basis and payments continue to issue as all checks are completed.

I am keeping the staff situation under review and I can assure the Deputy that existing staff resources will continue to be used to best effect to meet the day to day needs of farmers in all sectors.

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