22 Mr. Morley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the impact the public service embargo will have on his proposed charter of rights for farmers. [11222/95]

38 Mr. Lenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the impact the public service embargo will have on his proposed charter of rights for farmers. [11225/95]

47 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the impact the public service embargo will have on his proposed charter of rights for farmers. [11223/95]

72 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the impact the public service embargo will have on his proposed charter of rights for farmers. [11224/95]

176 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the impact the public service embargo will have on his proposed charter of rights for farmers. [11452/95]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 38, 47, 72 and 176 together.

The determination of staffing levels in my Department will, of course, have to take account of the Government decision and I will keep this matter under review in consultation with the Minister for Finance. I am determined to implement in full the provisions of the charter of rights for farmers.

Arrangements to implement the charter are already under way. The commitment to operate a more extensive advice and help service in 1995 has been met. Officers of the Department were deployed locally to centres where they were available to explain rights and entitlements to farmers, so as to avoid errors when the farmers come to complete their applications. Media advertising alerted farmers to the location of this facility in their own areas. All the Department's offices will revert to full opening hours with effect from 1 September. Furthermore, with effect from 1 November, an information desk covering all aspects of the Department's schemes and services will be operated in all livestock and veterinary offices.