Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to the proposed closure of the Teagasc Horticultural Research Centre at Kinsealy, County Dublin, if he will provide the cost benefit analysis prepared by Teagasc which he promised in the Seanad during April. [28655/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As I have stated previously, this is an operational matter for Teagasc. They are responsible for the day to day running of the organisation including decisions relating to the network of offices. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act establishing Teagasc and the Minister does not interfere in the day-to-day operations of Teagasc.

The decision by Teagasc to close Kinsealy is part of a significant 'Change Programme' to cut costs, improve efficiencies and streamline services. The Programme involves the disposal of surplus assets, a significant reduction in the number of research and advisory locations and cuts in staff numbers. In addition to moving to Ashtown, Teagasc is also closing 40 of its 91 Advisory offices throughout the country.

Teagasc prepared a detailed Business Case on the planned move to Ashtown and are satisfied that it will give rise to significant annual cost savings with an expected payback arising from relocation savings over a 7 year period.

In current economic circumstances, it was appropriate for Teagasc to review their portfolio of assets and see how best they could be utilised for the overall good of the organisation and the agri-food sector. Their approach reflected the recommendations in the "Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Programme Expenditure" published by the previous Government that opportunities for savings should be developed by rationalising the national network of Teagasc and Department locations.