I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 18, 22, 23, 24 and 45 together.
When I appointed the new Authority in September, I requested the submission of its programme for 1989 with a view to bringing about the maximum degree of rationalisation. I said the aim in formulating the programme should be to provide those services which are crucial to the development of the agriculture and food industry on the most cost-effective basis and to ensure an integrated research, education and advisory service for the agri-food industry with particular emphasis on expanding market opportunities internationally.
Teagasc, which submitted its programme to me in December, carried out its examination against the background of the following key objectives after detailed consideration over a period of three months. The objectives were the necessity to achieve the maximum integration of research, advisory and training services and ensure the long-term viability of Teagasc is secured; the need to ensure that all services are delivered in the most cost-effective manner and the importance of allocating resources and manpower in a manner which reflects programme priorities.
The main features of Teagasc's programme for 1989 are: the re-organisation and the refocusing of the agricultural advisory training and research services; special emphasis on education and training for young farmers and on food research as required under the legislation; a special advisory service for small producers; the establishment of six regional centres with enhanced capacity to promote special programmes of regional and national importance; concentration of administration in a single headquarters and a review of local advisory-training centres; the funding of capital works such as the new Food Centre through the sale of assets; the transfer of the research being done at present at Creagh and Beclare stations to Athenry with specific provision to set up a reserve fund from the economies achieved for designated western projects; retention of Lullymore and Ballinamore stations for use as transmission farms and advisory centres; more commercial orientation of research at Johnstown Castle; rationalisation of the Rural Economics centre, and recruitment of some additional staff in key areas and a reduction of staff in other areas, to be achieved by voluntary retirement.
The programme represents the first phase of the Authority's plans for rationalisation of existing services over a three-year period so as to achieve maximum integration and delivery of the most relevant services in the most cost-effective manner. The State grant provided for Teagasc for 1989 is £27.5 million. I have indicated to the Authority my acceptance of the broad thrust of the programme for 1989. Some elements such as extra staffing in key areas have to be considered fully and in detail, and the financial implications of the implementation of the programme will be reviewed later in the light of the progress achieved.
The board of Teagasc is representative of all the farming organisations, the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society Limited, the trade union and staff associations, universities and educational institutions and is presided over by Mr. Joe Rea, former President of the IFA and the Director is Dr. P. Ryan, former Director of An Foras Talúntais.