asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the delays in processing installation aid applications in the Cork region; the crisis in the Farm Development Service because of inadequate staffing which has resulted in industrial action; and the financial burden which this has put on farmers who are awaiting grant payment.
Written Answers. - Farm Development Service Schemes.
47.
A regional inspector will be appointed to the Cork region shortly and this will alleviate delays in processing installation aid applications.
While my Department is encountering certain staffing difficulties, I do not accept that a crisis exists in the operation of the farm development service schemes due to inadequate staffing. One of the unions representing some of the staff in that service has indicated that its members will not co-operate in the operation of one of the schemes involved. My Department is currently discussing this issue with the union.