§ Mr. Pattieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he still expects the Swann Committee on the Veterinary Service to report before the end of 1974.
§ Mr. StrangI understand that this report is now expected by the spring of 1975. The committee is reviewing the veterinary profession as a whole and is not concerned specifically with the State Veterinary Service.
§ Mr. Pattieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will publish the Report of the Working Party on Veterinary Career Development; and whether he accepts the findings of the report.
§ Mr. StrangIt would not be appropriate to publish the report of this informal working party, which was one of several set up at official level by my Ministry's establishment department to identify the facts and prepare the ground for discussion at higher levels and with staff associations. These discussions are continuing, with decisions being implemented as they are taken.
§ Mr. Pattieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, with reference to the undertaking given in the House by the Minister of State on 29th 465W July 1974 (OFFICIAL REPORT, col. 395) that work in progress includes more basic restructuring, he can now make an announcement about such restructuring.
§ Mr. StrangProposals for improving the structure of the Veterinary Service over a period are under consideration but will need discussion with the staff concerned before an announcement can be made.
§ Mr. Pattieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current number of vacancies in the professional staff of the State Veterinary Service; and what is the total complement.
§ Mr. StrangOn 1st December 1974 there were 133 vacancies in the professional staff of the State Veterinary Service against a total complement for such staff of 693.
§ Mr. Pattieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what have been the number of recruits into the State Veterinary Service since 1st August 1974; and if he will categorise them by age as follows: under 35, 35–45, 45–55 and over 55 years, respectively.
§ Mr. StrangThe number of professional staff recruited into the State Veterinary Service since 1st August 1974 is 14 in the following age groups:
Under 35 … … … 8 35 and under 45 … … … 3 45 to 55 … … … 2 over 55 … … … 1 In addition, a further five candidates successful at the competitions held in August and October 1974 have accepted the offers of appointment made to them and will be taking up duty in 1975.
Offers have yet to be made to those declared successful at the competition held earlier this month.