Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. It is absolutely correct that we should look at all times at how a service is provided. Particularly regarding veterinary and scientific services to the agricultural community, we must ensure that those involved have the resources, facilities and back-up necessary to be able to perform that function to the highest possible standard. The concern with regard to the ongoing review has been particularly related to the regional veterinary laboratory network. There are proposals and options in the working group report put forward which involve a closure of some of those regional veterinary laboratories. It involves the closure of Sligo, for example, which is referred to in my question, and there is also grave concern for Limerick and Kilkenny.

The Minister will know, from feedback he received from them, how important this regional veterinary laboratory network is to farmers in the regions. For example, with regard to the closure of Sligo, for farmers in the part of the world I come from in north Donegal, the next nearest laboratory would be Athlone. It is simply unacceptable that farmers in times of distress who require autopsy services for animals would have to avail of a service that is that far away. The regional veterinary network is absolutely essential. In his final comments, the Minister - apart from noting the resources and the scientific facilities and equipment that will be available - indicated that the regional veterinary laboratory will be looked at in the context of a cost-benefit analysis. There is never any doubt that one office in a central location with all of the staff in it may, from a cost-benefit point of view, be a cheaper way of providing services. However, the key point is that the regional veterinary laboratory network is critical. The service is very important. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial that the Minister, the Department and the review group keep that in mind. Certainly, from my party's perspective, it is crucial that that network is protected and given with the resources and facilities necessary to provide the service it is expected to provide.

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