asked the Minister for Education if she will include a food processing course in the curriculum of regional colleges and VEC schools in the regions engaged in food processing.
Written Answers. - Food Processing Course.
472.
In the case of second level schools aspects of food processing are included in the science and home economics syllabi at junior cycle and in the agricultural science, biology and home economics syllabi at senior cycle. The vocational preparation and training programme which has recently been introduced into second level schools contains a technical option in agriculture which schools may interpret in accordance with the needs and circumstances of the locality.
Responsibility for the designing and establishment of courses in the regional technical colleges and colleges of technology and for the planning of course content is a matter, in the first instance, for the college authorities and the relevant validating body e.g. The National Council for Educational Awards. I am satisfied that in designing and establishing courses the colleges have regard to the industrial, technological and commercial needs of the regions which they serve and that such considerations also apply in the area of food processing, courses related to which are operated in a number of regional technical colleges and colleges of technology.