Helen Keogh
Ceist:41 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will introduce a local appeals system to facilitate the speedy resolutions of problems arising for applicants for premium and headage grants.
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
As the Deputy is aware, the premium and headage schemes are administered through a network of local offices throughout the country. A farmer in any given county can appeal his case to his local office in writing or in person and it will be dealt with fairly and sympathetically. In effect, this provides the local appeals system requested by the Deputy.
Jim Higgins
Ceist:44 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the specific training, if any, given to agricultural officers employed by his Department to work in meat factories; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The nature of the work undertaken by agriculture officers in meat plants is such that on the job training is provided by supervisory agricultural officers in conjunction with experienced staff and is organised under the general control of the Veterinary Inspectorate. Formal training courses for these staff are held from time to time in the Department's training centre. In addition special training seminars on various aspects of the work have been organised over the years.
Recently, staff being newly assigned to meat plants were given a 2 week induction course before being assigned to work with experienced officers. It is intended to expand this training programme to provide ongoing training for existing agricultural officer staff as well as new recruits.