Departmental Staff.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2009

Tuesday, 10 March 2009

Questions (420)

Seymour Crawford

Question:

453 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that there are sufficient staff in each of the farm development offices serving counties Cavan, Louth and Monaghan to deal with farm waste management grants; when he expects that the applications will be finalised in each of these three offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9795/09]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

My Department keeps its staffing arrangements in local offices under constant review in order to ensure that payments continue to flow in a timely manner to farmers under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. It is also endeavouring to ensure that the appropriate inspections are completed within the shortest time possible and has introduced revised arrangements to expedite this process.