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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Austin Deasy

Question:

173 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason two retired agricultural inspectors have not been replaced at the Waterford district veterinary office; when he will provide replacements in view of the fact that the vacancies are impeding urgently needed assistance with bovine disease eradication in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford. [24555/99]

I am not aware of any major delays in dealing with disease issues arising from the disclosure of reactors, under the bovine TB eradication scheme, in the herd of the person concerned.

I understand that a total of 13 reactors disclosed in a TB herd test on 26 August last were removed from the herd in question on 11 September and that payment for these animals issued to the person concerned on 18 October. Payment for a further 17 animals disclosed during a re-test on 4 November and removed on 10 November will issue shortly.

I am aware that, due to a reduction in staff numbers at technical agricultural officer level in Waterford district veterinary office as a result of the retirement of two officers, it has not been possible to assign staff to carry out wildlife investigation work on the farm of the person concerned.

My Department keeps procedures, the deployment of staff at all offices under its control under ongoing review with the aim of insuring the best possible service to its farming clients.

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