Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2017
39. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the future of the regional veterinary laboratory in County Kilkenny, which serves the entire region of the south east, can be guaranteed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12365/17]
View answerMy Department commissioned a Working Group led by Prof. Alan Reilly to undertake a comprehensive review of the Department’s Laboratories (which are located at Backweston, Sligo, Limerick, Cork, Athlone and Kilkenny). The 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.
My Department is currently consulting with all relevant stakeholders.
A decision on any of these recommendations will await the outcome of this consultative process. In the case of the Regional Veterinary Laboratories, any decision will also be informed by a cost-benefit analysis of the various options that have been proposed for their future development.
