Laboratory Facilities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2017

Wednesday, 18 January 2017

Questions (224)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

224. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is conducting a review of the network of regional veterinary laboratories; the status of any review being undertaken; if he will maintain the current regional veterinary laboratory network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2150/17]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Department tasked a working group, led by Prof. Alan Reilly, and comprising senior officials with undertaking a review of its laboratory services, including both its Central Laboratory complex in Backweston, Co. Kildare and its network of Regional Laboratories in Athlone, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick and Sligo. The ultimate objective of this review is to assist the Department in developing a long-term strategy for its laboratories that builds on existing capability and expertise in animal health, food safety and plant sciences, and ensures that it achieves both operational and scientific excellence.

The Working Group has presented a report to the Department, which makes recommendations on:

- Oversight and co-ordination of the laboratories activities

- Re-organisation of Divisions and support functions within the Central Laboratory complex

- Options for the future development of the Regional Laboratories – with a view to improving disease investigative and surveillance capability but with the over-riding imperative of maintaining and enhancing services to farmers and

- Human resources management within the laboratories - with a focus on grading structures, career development opportunities and workforce planning

Consultation on this report has commenced with the Department’s laboratory-based staff. Further consultation will then take place with other stakeholders. A decision on implementation of these recommendations will await the outcome of this consultative process. In addition, as regards the Regional Laboratories, any decision will also be informed by a cost-benefit analysis of the various options that have been proposed.