Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

192. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when public consultation will take place on the preferred option identified by the by the strategic review working group for the future development of the Regional Veterinary Laboratories network service in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17015/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Following a competitive tender process, my Department has commissioned RSM Ireland to undertake a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of options that have been proposed for the future development of the Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVLs). The team conducting the CBA includes internationally-recognised, independent experts in economic analysis and animal disease surveillance.  It is expected to complete its work in mid-2018, after which a report and recommendations will be presented to me. 

To date no decision has been taken in respect of the options proposed for the RVLs, including the RVL in county Sligo. My Department completed an initial consultative process with all relevant stakeholders on the options for the RVLs during the course of last year. Consultation with Department staff and external stakeholders has also been undertaken by RSM Ireland as part of the CBA process. Any decision that is made on the RVLs will be informed by these consultations and the outcome of the CBA.