asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether arising out of a reply on 9th July last he has since instituted an inquiry into the number of people entering agriculture with appropriate training; and, if so, when the results of this inquiry are expected to become available.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Training.
2.
An average of 536 students attended residential agricultural colleges for training in agriculture over the past three years. Of these, about a third go back to farming and most of the remainder either pursue courses such as those leading to degrees in agriculture, dairy science and veterinary medicine or obtain employment in services and industries serving agriculture.
Part-time courses such as are provided at winter farm schools and at winter agricultural classes conducted by the agricultural advisory service also provide very suitable training for young people engaging in farming. Over the past three years the average annual number of students attending the winter farm schools was 642 and the average annual attendance at winter agricultural classes was 3,877. The farm training centres, to which I referred in my reply to the Deputy's question on 9th July last, will provide more extensive facilities for these schools and classes.
It is envisaged that the major share of the 300 additional places being planned at the agricultural colleges will be filled by future farmers. It is estimated that up to 4,000 people enter farming each year.
Could the Minister say what proportion of that 4,000 have what he regards as appropriate training?
I can only repeat the figure I have given. The nearest I suppose would be the numbers attending the winter agricultural classes, 3,877, only they might not all be new people coming into agriculture.
I was asking what proportion of entrants for the first time have the appropriate training. In a previous reply the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries said an inquiry was being carried out and I was anxious to know the result of that inquiry. The Minister is dealing with a separate matter.
I dealt with the question very fully in the reply.