Vol. 430 No. 5
164 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reasons for his proposal to centralise the beef premium scheme in Portlaoise, County Laois; if this will result in the downgrading of local district veterinary offices; if it is proposed that all queries will be dealt with only by correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The primary reason for centralising the administrative operations of the special beef premium to Portlaoise is to provide a more effective service. It is not envisaged that this change will result in the downgrading of the district veterinary office as new areas of work relating to the introduction of the Single Market and the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy will be operated from the local offices. Queries will be attended to in writing, by phone or in person as required.
