Martin Ferris
Ceist:199. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the review taking place of the regional veterinary laboratories. [19553/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 19 May 2015
Ceisteanna (199)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department is currently undertaking a Strategic Review of its Laboratories as part of an Integrated Reform Delivery Plan agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to consider the best means of delivering laboratory services to customers.
This review is considering all of the Department’s laboratories, including the central laboratory complex at Backweston and eight laboratories (including five Regional Veterinary Laboratories) located at other sites around the country. An extensive consultative process was initially undertaken with stakeholders. A Working Group was then convened, under an external chairman, Professor Alan Reilly, with the following Terms of Reference:
1. To define the laboratory services and expertise that the Department requires at present and in the foreseeable future;
2. To consider how these laboratory services and expertise can best be delivered; and
3. To outline an implementation plan, including timescale, for proposed changes.
The first meeting of the Working Group took place on 6 January 2015. The working group is considering various proposals at present. A report from this group is expected in due course.