A FUNDAMENTAL restructuring of the Department of Agriculture, splitting it into six units, each with a separate role, is expected to be announced by Easter.
The rationalisation will place greater emphasis on consumer demands, with three of the proposed "executive units" dealing with policy on food safety, the veterinary area and crop production and quality.
The other three units are expected to deal with EU payments to the agriculture industry, which amount to just under £2 billion annually.
Each unit is likely to be directed by the equivalent of an assistant secretary, who will report to the overall department secretary. The Minister for Agriculture will retain political responsibility.
Discussions are taking place between the Departments of Agriculture and Finance and the unions - representing 4,000 workers - on implementation of the plan. It is understood that a final package of changes will be discussed by the Cabinet next month. A formal announcement is expected by the end of March.
In an interview today with The Irish Times, the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Yates, described the shake up as "the biggest in generations". The proposals are the result of a year long internal review of the Department's functions and are linked to the Strategic Management Initiative (SMI), which involves a root and branch examination of how the Civil Service operates.
The rationalisation is also in line with the recommendations of the Devlin Report in the late 1960s. These were never put into effect.
At present, the Department of Agriculture has nine assistant secretaries, a chief veterinary officer and a chief agricultural inspector. Functions are divided into three areas: the veterinary stream, the agricultural inspectorate and administration. The system is recognised as being inaccessible to the consumer and cumbersome in its operation.
The executive units dealing with EU payments - including headage and premiums, intervention and export refunds, as well as rural development schemes - are designed to provide a more streamlined service. However, the emphasis in the restructuring plan is on consumer demands and food safety.
In addition to the six units dealing with EU payments and food safety policy, a separate unit is also expected to be put in place to examine key areas of the industry, such as rural development. Each unit is to be given a "clear mission statement" of its functions and aims.
Meanwhile, a new Consumer Liaison Group is being put in place to liaise between the Department of Agriculture and consumer groups. The new body, which includes food scientists and nutritionists, is due to meet shortly and will provide consumer groups with "unlimited access to the Department", sources said.
It is believed that much of the change is a response to the criticism which was levelled at the Department in the wake of the Beefy Tribunal. However, it may not satisfy consumer interests, which have called for the establishment of separate Ministry of Food.