Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012
110. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the proposed reorganisation of Teagasc; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47633/12]
View answerTeagasc has statutory responsibility to provide education, advisory and research services to the agriculture sector. Programmes and services are developed with clients and partners overseen by an Authority that is representative of the main agriculture stakeholder groups. It is a matter for Teagasc to prioritise activities in the delivery of services and to allocate resources in accordance with these priorities. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act and the Minister does not interfere in the day to day operations of Teagasc.
In 2009, Teagasc commenced a major organisational Change Programme to improve efficiencies, streamline services and promote greater integration across the organisation. The Programme involves the disposal of assets, a significant reduction in the number of research and advisory locations, reduction in staff numbers and redeployment of staff. Implementation of the programme is an operational matter for Teagasc.
It has resulted in a slimmed down senior management structure and a new programme structure based around four integrated operational programmes. The network of Teagasc offices around the country is being streamlined from 91 to 51 with 38 offices closed to date. Transfer of staff and activities from Kinsealy Research Centre to Ashtown is also being progressed. There has been significant progress in reducing staff numbers with over 380 permanent and temporary posts cut since 2008 as part of the Government initiative to create a smaller, more integrated public service. As part of this initiative, Teagasc successfully implemented a voluntary early retirement programme in 2011 in which 83 staff exited the organisation. The overall cost of servicing pay and pensions in Teagasc fell by €13m since 2008 while other non-pay costs declined by €11m.
These actions have resulted in Teagasc becoming a leaner, more efficient and focused organisation. Teagasc recognise that this process of change must continue and are committed to implementing further reforms in line with the Croke Park Agreement.
