§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of current strength of the State Veterinary Service; how this compares with establishment; and if he will make a statement outlining his plans for further recruitment.
§ Mr. StrangOn 1st December 1974 the professional strength of the State Veterinary Service was 560 officers against an authorised complement for such staff of 693. The Civil Service Commission will be continuing its regular series of quarterly competitions to recruit veterinarians, and other competitions as necessary to recruit research staff, during 1975.