Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2017
250. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to close regional veterinary laboratories; the basis on which decisions have been taken and the laboratories selected for closure; and the impact assessment that has been carried out. [14497/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDAFM commissioned a Working Group (WG) led by Prof. Alan Reilly to undertake a comprehensive review of DAFM Laboratories (Backweston, Sligo, Limerick, Cork, Athlone and Kilkenny). The WG has presented a report to the Department, which makes recommendations on:
- Oversight and co-ordination of the laboratories activities
- Re-organisation of Divisions and support functions within the Central Laboratory complex
- Options for the future development of the Regional Laboratories – with a view to improving disease investigative and surveillance capability but with the over-riding imperative of maintaining and enhancing services to farmers and
- Human resources management within the laboratories - with a focus on grading structures, career development opportunities and workforce planning
The Department is currently consulting with relevant stakeholders. A decision on any of these recommendations will await the outcome of this consultative process. In the case of the Regional Laboratories any decision will also be informed by a cost benefit analysis of the various options that have been proposed.
