Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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51. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that the Sligo regional veterinary laboratory will remain open following the recently completed review of the veterinary laboratory services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12351/17]

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 the Department’s Laboratories. The Group has presented a report to the Department, which makes recommendations on:

- Oversight and co-ordination of the laboratories activities

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

- 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

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

My Department is currently consulting with all relevant stakeholders.

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