Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department commissioned a Working Group led by Prof. Alan Reilly to undertake a comprehensive review of its Laboratory Services in order to develop a long-term strategy for the Laboratories and to build on the existing capability and expertise of the Service. The group considered both the Central Laboratory Complex at Backweston and the Regional Laboratories located in Athlone, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick and Sligo. The Group has presented a report to the Department, which makes recommendations on:

1. Oversight and co-ordination of the laboratories activities

2. Re-organisation of Divisions and support functions within the Central Laboratory complex

3. Options for the future development of the Regional Laboratories - with a view to improving disease investigative and surveillance capability but with the over-riding imperative of maintaining and enhancing services to farmers and

4. Human resources management within the laboratories - with a focus on grading structures, career development opportunities and workforce planning.

The Department is currently consulting with its laboratory-based staff on these recommendations and is proceeding to consult with other stakeholders.

A decision on any of these recommendations will await the outcome of this consultative process. In the case of the Regional Laboratories any decision will also be informed by a cost benefit analysis of the various options that have been proposed for their future development.