109 Mr. M. Brennan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the inconvenience and delays being caused to the farmers in County Sligo by staff shortages in the regional veterinary laboratory and their resultant loss in sales by export ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7712/98]

A minor backlog arose recently due to the absence of an officer on sick leave due to a motor accident. This backlog is now being cleared by the provision of overtime.

Two serological assistants will be on maternity leave from early to mid-June. The Department will make arrangements to either transfer work to the Central Brucellosis Laboratory in Cork or to engage temporary staff to deal with the duties of these officers during their absence.