Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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20. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress regarding the cost-benefit analysis of the regional veterinary laboratory network, including the regional veterinary laboratory in County Kilkenny which was due to be completed within six months of its commencement in late 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18289/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Following a competitive tender process, my Department has commissioned 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 currently engaged in research work such as gathering financial data, visiting laboratories - including Kilkenny - and engaging with staff and customers through stakeholder events, telephone interviews and meetings. The team 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 laboratory in Kilkenny. My Department completed an initial consultative process with all relevant stakeholders on the options for the RVLs during the course of last year. Any decision that is made on the RVLs will be informed by both that consultative process and the outcome of the CBA.