Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 520: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of temporary meat inspectors employed by her Department in factories throughout the country; if it is proposed to fill further permanent positions for such categories; the number involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27955/06]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 526: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of temporary meat inspectors employed by her department in factories throughout the country; her plans to fill further permanent positions for such categories; the number involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28026/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 520 and 526 together.

My Department engages approximately 700 part-time Temporary Veterinary Inspectors (TVIs) to augment the permanent Veterinary Inspectors employed by my Department at EU export-approved meat plants. TVIs are engaged to carry out duties as and when required by the permanent Veterinary Inspector in charge at each such plant. I have no proposals to change the current status of TVIs.