Vol. 501 No. 3
202 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the times of opening of his Department's office in Newcastle West, County Limerick; the number of departmental officials assigned to this office; their areas of responsibility; if he has satisfied himself that this office is used effectively in order to provide a service to the local farming community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6103/99]
There is currently only one Department officer with office facilities in Newcastle West, primarily for use as a base to assist him in the carrying out of his main responsibilities which involved field duties under the rural environmental protection scheme, REPS, and various other on-farm investment schemes.
The Newcastle West office is, however, also open to members of the local farming community all day Monday and also on Thursday mornings.
The Department's main office, dealing with the administration and operation of all Department schemes in the Limerick region, is located at St. Munchins House, Dock Road, Limerick, Telephone, 061-208500.
I am satisfied that the Newscastle West office is providing a very useful service to the local farming community.
