John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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568. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of secondments from his Department to the university third level sector over the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22244/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department regularly reviews its staff assignments to ensure that our resources are being used to support our work in the most effective and strategic manner possible. In this regard, consideration is given to achieving a balance between facilitating temporary secondment opportunities while also retaining key expertise within my Department for ongoing responsibilities. These secondments can be within the state or overseas.

During the last two years, one officer from my Department has worked within a university/third level sector. This role was based in the Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis (CVERA), in University College Dublin, which provides scientific information to support national decision-making in animal health and welfare. CVERA oversees a diverse portfolio of projects in support of a number of areas within my Department and also assists Animal Health Ireland.