Details of the cost of temporary veterinary inspectors, TVIs engaged in the meat inspection service from 1995 to 2002 inclusive and the amounts paid to the top five TVIs in 2002 are set out in the following tables.
During the course of the year my Department put forward detailed proposals to Veterinary Ireland and the industry representative bodies, IMA and IBEC for reform of the terms of engagement of TVIs with a view towards removing inefficiencies and rigidities that had built up over a period of years, and to effect real cost savings. Agreement was reached on these proposals on 31 October and they are now fully in place. Some cost savings will arise in 2003 by virtue of the agreement. Next year will be the first full year of operation under the new agreement and I expect that the efficiencies and flexibilities now provided for will be reflected in budget savings in my Department's Vote.
The new agreement replaces the old single shift arrangement with an extensive and variable menu of TVI shifts which can be selected to match the operations of individual plants. Payment will in future be based on a new hourly rate calculated pro rata to the former rate, and the agreement provides for a prominent and direct role for factories in rostering. In future, the allocation of resources to plants in respect of the TVI service will be set on an annual basis.
Cost of TVIs 1995-2002
