asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will outline the action he proposes to take on plans for the training of young farmers which were submitted to him by Macra na Feirme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Macra na Feirme Training Scheme.
58.
Since the submission of the "Proficiency Training Scheme" last August by Macra na Feirme my Department have been co-operating fully with the organisation's steering committee in having it implemented. Draft schemes, in the preparation of which specialist officers of my Department have taken an active part, have now been agreed by the steering committee in regard to proficiency in farm account keeping, proficiency in tractor operation and maintenance and proficiency in machine milking and dairy hygiene. It is proposed to continue this co-operation.
Can the Minister tell me how long it will take before the full scheme as envisaged by Macra na Feirme will be in operation?
I do not anticipate any remarkable delay because the history from the genesis of the idea from Macra na Feirme to its active implementation is quite good. In October, 1971, plans were discussed between Macra na Feirme and representatives of the advisory service. In December a steering committee was set up. In January the inaugural meeting of the steering committee went into action and now the proficiency scheme in farm accounts is in operation. It is proceeding fairly well.