Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 369: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on adding extra resources in terms of staff to her Department's offices here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18022/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The introduction of the Single Payment Scheme (SPS), falling disease levels and efficiency gains means that staff numbers in my Department are currently on a downward trend.

The introduction of the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) and efficiency gains generally will result in a reduction of over 400 staff in my Department's local and other offices. My Department is actively managing the transition to ensure an orderly redeployment of staff. Where additional work becomes available in the Single Farm Payment area, this work is transferred to local offices. My Department is also consulting with other Government Departments, including the Department of Justice, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social & Family Affairs, to fill vacancies in those Departments from surplus Agriculture staff.