91998E0795

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0795/98

by Reimer Böge (PPE) to the Commission

(18 March 1998)

Subject: Staff shortages in DG VI

In the light of experience in dealing with BSE, the Commission has carried out a thorough restructuring of its departments.

Can the Commission state:

- what staff changes have been made within DG VI and DG XXIV?

- how many posts have been transferred from DG VI to DG XXIV?

The Commission's Special report to the European Parliament on the recommendations on BSE (30 January 1998), refers to the fact that, as a result of staffing shortages in DG VI it has not been possible to deal adequately with some issues (p. 7 para. C.: "However, due to staff shortages a proposal could not yet be finalised, but remains one of the priorities of the BSE dossier")

When will the necessary selection procedure finally be set in motion to increase the staffing of the veterinary services? The problem cannot be solved satisfactorily by the appointment of temporary officials.

In addition to this procedure, is the Commission prepared to give greater consideration to this glaring problem in drawing up the Establishment Plan for the 1999 draft budget, or to resolve it by transferring posts when they come free?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(8 May 1998)

In the light of the experience in dealing with BSE, the Commission has transferred the entire personnel of the phytosanitary and veterinary office to DG XXIV, that is 42 A, 7 B and 13 C, plus 3 national experts attached to the office, as well as additional staff amounting to 5 A and 14 C. As compensation, 8 A posts were allocated to DG VI.

The measures for assuring the availability of a sufficient number of veterinarians for recruitment as permanent staff are currently being examined. In order to avoid short-term problems, an appeal has been made to Member States to provide lists of veterinary experts who would qualify for temporary agent status.

According to the 1999 draft budget, 10 permanent posts shall be made available to DG VI. DG VI planning foresees to allocate 4 of these posts for the clearance of accounts (increase of staff in this field is considered a priority also by the Parliament). Most of the remaining 6 posts will be used for reinforcing the units dealing with public health, animal health and phytosanitary matters, which are an absolute priority.