Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 4

Written Answers. - Regional Veterinary Laboratories.

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

71 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the further works which are required to ensure the regional veterinary laboratory in Athlone can provide a full service to farmers and the food industry while affording its staff the necessary levels of health and safety at work; the reason these works have not been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4909/02]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

My Department is working closely with the Office of Public Works to ensure outstanding works are dealt with so that the laboratory can again provide a full range of services.

The Office of Public Works contracted consultants to examine the problems in relation to the outstanding works at the laboratory. The consultants' report outlined a number of recommendations and these are being assessed by the Office of Public Works.

Athlone is one of a number of regional veterinary laboratories that provides a service to farmers here. The others laboratories are located in Sligo, Kilkenny, Limerick, Cork and the central research laboratory is at Abbottstown, Castleknock, Dublin 15.

The services provided by the laboratories include the examination of specimens, for example, blood samples, milk samples and faeces, received by post using the appropriate discipline of biochemistry, microbiology, parasitiology; and post-mortem examination of carcasses of farm animals for cause of death, and badgers for evidence of TB.

The laboratory at Athlone continues to provide all services except the post-mortem services.