Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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36. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, following the recently completed review of the veterinary laboratory services, he will ensure that all such facilities remain open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12357/17]

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 a number of areas including 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.  My Department is currently consulting with all relevant stakeholders.

A decision on any of the recommendations contained within the Working Group report 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.