The introduction of mechanical grading machines to carry out beef carcase classification has lead to the redeployment of 55 supervisory agricultural officers to other duties. Some 35 of these officers were redeployed to posts within my Department. The remaining 20 are not yet redeployed.
There are staff shortages in the conservation ranger area in the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the feasibility of redeploying agriculture officers to suitable work in reasonable locations in that Department is being explored. Agricultural officers have been interviewed by officials from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and a panel has been created. Offers of appointment as conservation rangers have been made to the nine officers and replies are awaited.