Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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1155. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the names of the persons that wrote the report to close the three regional veterinary laboratories in counties Kilkenny, Limerick and Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19345/17]

Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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1156. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he or a committee will make the final decision on the closing of regional veterinary laboratories in counties Kilkenny, Limerick and Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19346/17]

Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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1157. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the next steps the report penned on the closing of regional veterinary laboratories in counties Kilkenny, Limerick and Sligo recommends to be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19347/17]

Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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1158. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the regional veterinary laboratory in County Sligo will be closed in view its importance to farmers therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19348/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1155 to 1158, inclusive, together.

My Department tasked a working group, led by Professor Alan Reilly, and comprising senior officials of the Department with undertaking a review of its laboratory services, including both its Central Laboratory complex in Backweston, Co. Kildare and its network of Regional Laboratories in Athlone, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick and Sligo.  The ultimate objective of this review is to assist the Department in developing a long-term strategy for its laboratories that builds on existing capability and expertise in animal health, food safety and plant sciences, and ensures that it achieves both operational and scientific excellence.

The Working 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.

To date no decision has been taken in respect of the options proposed for the Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVLs). My Department is currently completing a consultative process with all relevant stakeholders on the Working Group report (including on the options for RVLs). A cost-benefit analysis of the various options proposed will be undertaken. Any decision on the RVLs will be informed by the consultative process and the outcome of the cost-benefit analysis.