Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 7

Written Answers. - Bovine Diseases.

John Perry

Question:

133 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that staff numbers, both clerical and serological, are insufficient to cater for the increased demand for brucellosis testing in the Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Sligo, in view of the new 30 day regulation and two staff members in this section are going on maternity leave in the near future; the plans, if any, in place to clear the backlog and improve this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6996/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

A minor back-log arose recently due to the absence of an officer on sick leave due to a motor accident. This back-log is now being cleared by the provision of overtime.

Two serological assistants will be on maternity leave from early to mid-June. The Department will make arrangements to either transfer work to the central brucellosis laboratory in Cork or to engage temporary staff to deal with the duties of these officers during their absence.