Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 January 2019
225. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a cost-benefit analysis of the regional veterinary laboratory network will be published; if there is a timeline for potential investment in the network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4626/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department commissioned a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of options that were proposed by a Working Group in 2016 for the future development of the Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVLs). The team conducting the CBA included internationally-recognised, independent experts in economic analysis and animal disease surveillance. My Department has been presented with the CBA report and senior officials are currently considering the recommendations. Due consideration is also being given to feedback we received following consultation on two separate occasions with our stakeholders - following publication of the 2016 Working Group report and during the CBA process. A proposal on how best to redevelop the RVLs over the next few years will be informed by both of those consultative processes and by the findings of the CBA. The focus of my Department is now on securing and improving the service to the sector at best value to the tax payer and on securing the necessary capital funding for investment.
