The future of Ireland’s Regional Veterinary Laboratories will be determined by the outcome of a cost-benefit analysis and by a consultation process, the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, has said.
In response to a parliamentary question last week from Fianna Fáil’s Charlie McConalogue, Minister Creed said that a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of the various options proposed for the future of the RVLs will be undertaken shortly.
“To date no decision has been taken in respect of the options proposed for the RVLs.
“My department completed an initial consultative process with all relevant stakeholders on the working group report (including on the options for RVLs) earlier this year.
“A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of the various options proposed will be undertaken shortly. My department has tendered for independent economic expertise to carry out this CBA and a tender award notice has issued.
“Any decision I make on the RVLs will be informed by the consultative process and the outcome of the cost-benefit analysis."
Working group review
In May 2015, the Irish Farmers Journal revealed that the Department was considering closing three of its six RVLs as part of a streamlining of services.
A working group was then tasked with bringing forward recommendations on the future of the RVLs.
Last week, Minister Creed said: “This review has considered both the central laboratory complex at Backweston and the eight regional laboratories located at Athlone, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick and Sligo.
“The 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.Human resources management within the laboratories – with a focus on grading structures, career development opportunities and workforce planning. Read more
EXCLUSIVE: department reviewing regional vet labs
RVLs safe for now – report
The future of Ireland’s Regional Veterinary Laboratories will be determined by the outcome of a cost-benefit analysis and by a consultation process, the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, has said.
In response to a parliamentary question last week from Fianna Fáil’s Charlie McConalogue, Minister Creed said that a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of the various options proposed for the future of the RVLs will be undertaken shortly.
“To date no decision has been taken in respect of the options proposed for the RVLs.
“My department completed an initial consultative process with all relevant stakeholders on the working group report (including on the options for RVLs) earlier this year.
“A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of the various options proposed will be undertaken shortly. My department has tendered for independent economic expertise to carry out this CBA and a tender award notice has issued.
“Any decision I make on the RVLs will be informed by the consultative process and the outcome of the cost-benefit analysis."
Working group review
In May 2015, the Irish Farmers Journal revealed that the Department was considering closing three of its six RVLs as part of a streamlining of services.
A working group was then tasked with bringing forward recommendations on the future of the RVLs.
Last week, Minister Creed said: “This review has considered both the central laboratory complex at Backweston and the eight regional laboratories located at Athlone, Cork, Kilkenny, Limerick and Sligo.
“The 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.Human resources management within the laboratories – with a focus on grading structures, career development opportunities and workforce planning. Read more
EXCLUSIVE: department reviewing regional vet labs
RVLs safe for now – report
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