Vol. 495 No. 1
167 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in having additional veterinary surgeons appointed to supervise the significant number of abattoirs now under the supervision of his Department; and if he will seek immediate resources from the Department of Finance in order that this matter can be rectified and allow abattoirs operate to their full capacity. [19821/98]
191 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the necessary veterinary personnel will be appointed to supervise additional slaughter houses which have reached EU status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19397/98]
197 Mr. J. Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the necessary veterinary personnel will be appointed, without delay, to supervise additional slaughter houses which have reached EU status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19465/98]
201 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if an export licence will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in view of the substantial investment in this business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19543/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 167, 191, 197 and 201 together.
The upgrading of plants to EU export status has considerable resource implications for my Department, given the increased demand created as a result for veterinary supervision in the plants in question. While my Department is conscious of the desire on the part of upgraded plants to begin to operate to export standard, once they are technically approved to do so, this can only be done when the Department is in a position to provide the necessary level of Department supervision.
Every effort is made, and will continue to be made, to limit the delay between approval and the provision of Department staff to allow the plant operate to export standards. The reality is that given both the capping of recruitment which applies to all Departments, and the ever increasing work in relation to animal and public health, the allocation of resources to specific areas of work, of necessity, leads to cutting back in others. I am keeping the staff situation under review and I can assure the Deputies that existing resources will be used to best effect to meet the needs of the industry. The provision of veterinary supervisory staff for the specific plant referred to is being considered in this context.
