Vol. 494 No. 5
76 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a post-mortem examination will be carried out on animals at his Department's veterinary laboratory at Athlone, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18961/98]
The post-mortem at Athlone regional veterinary laboratory has been closed on a temporary basis to facilitate the carrying out of major renovation work at the premises. It is hoped to complete this work early in the coming year, at which time the post-mortem service will re-commence. While carcasses are not being accepted for post-mortem examinations during the period of closure, clinical pathology services and a field investigation service continue to be available through veterinary practitioners for herdowners. In addition, the post-mortem rooms at my Department's other regional veterinary laboratories and at the Veterinary Research Laboratory, Abbotstown continue to remain open.
