asked the Minister for Agriculture the terms of the farm-training measures for "hired... agricultural workers," referred to in 75/153/EEC, being the scheme of vocational training for persons engaged in agriculture notified to the EEC Commission under Article No. 1 of 75/153/EEC; the number of "hired" agricultural workers benefiting from the farm-training scheme and the financial assistance received in respect of "hired" workers, farmers and family agricultural workers.
Written Answers . - Farm Training Scheme .
40.
: The farm training measures referred to by the Deputy are those comprised in the scheme of vocational training for persons engaged in agriculture which was introduced in 1975 in accordance with the requirements of EEC Directive 161. The scheme is operated by county committees of agriculture and is open to farmers and family helpers as well as hired agricultural workers. As the terms of the scheme are rather lengthy I am having a copy supplied to the Deputy separately.
The number of persons who received training under the scheme up to 31 December 1977 is 3,326 but information is not available in my Department as to the number of hired workers included in this figure.
The financial assistance received from the EEC to date in respect of those trained under the scheme in 1975 and 1976 is £65,095.