Deputy Seán Ryan gave me notice of his intention to raise the matter of the future of the Kinsealy Research Centre, County Dublin, given the commitment by the previous Minister for Agriculture and Food that the centre would remain open, particularly given the implications for some 60 jobs and its importance in providing a research and advisory service to the horticultural industry.
Adjournment Debate. - Kinsealy (Dublin) Research Centre.
Thank you for the opportunity to raise this issue. On 4 March this year I asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food in the Dáil if, in the light of his predecessor's meeting with the board of Teagasc, he would confirm that he had no proposals to close down or relocate the research centre at Kinsealy. In reply he said that at a meeting that the research centres at Kinsealy and Belclare would remain open and that this situation had not changed.
I raise the issue again tonight because I believe that the next three weeks will be critical for the future of Teagasc. Decisions will be made that will have major implications for the staff levels and the services provided to agricultural and horticultural industries throughout the country. I understand that it was stated at a recent Teagasc meeting, which the Minister attended, that the Teagasc debt of £10 million must be reduced within weeks and furthermore that centres must be closed. I also understand that the chairman stated that only four centres would be retained and that no reference was made to Kinsealy Research Centre. In the light of this, is it any wonder that I raise the issue this evening? I have no doubt that there is great concern for the staff in many of the other centres.
If the Government proceed on this path they will breach the terms of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress which states:
The Government will ensure that the necessary resources are provided to enable Teagasc to continue to provide an effective and integrated service covering education and training, advice and research.
This clearly defines a special role for Teagasc and it also implies a positive Government response. A reduction in staff and the wholesale closure of centres is neither within the letter nor the spirit of that agreement. I condemn this approach by Government.
The research institute was set up in Kinsealy in 1959 because of its proximity to the concentration of fresh vegetable growing on the east coast. This is just as relevant today, given that counties Dublin, Meath and Louth account for 33 per cent of the national fresh vegetable acreage.
The closure or transfer of the research centre will put at risk up to 60 jobs in the greater Dublin area. While acknowledging the financial difficulties of the board of Teagasc, they have taken the easy option and have risked the livelihoods of dedicated staff members and of many hundreds of people working in the industry. It is my firm belief that senior people on the board of Teagasc do not fully appreciate the employment potential in the horticultural industry.
The five-year plan in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress involves the creation of about 1,000 full-time jobs to the end of 1993 and about 300 part time jobs annually in 1991, 1992 and 1993. This target will be put at risk by the Government's policy in relation to Teagasc.
The continuation of the research unit at Kinsealy is vital to the development of the horticultural industry in Fingal. The importance of the education aspect cannot be stressed enough. The loss of the research and advisory service to the growers in north county Dublin will have a devastating effect, given the need to develop the mushroom, nursery stock and vegetable sections, all with great employment potential.
I call on the Minister for Agriculture and Food to confirm that Kinsealy will not be closed down or relocated. I also demand that the trade unions representing the staff be consulted regarding the package now being drawn up by the joint teams of the Department of Agriculture and Food and Teagasc and that the proposals be brought to the representatives of the staff prior to the Teagasc meeting on 28 May at Grange. This has major implications for this industry. Given Fianna Fáil's lipservice to the horticultural industry in the past, I would ask them to meet the commitments in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress and their commitments given prior to the last general election.
Wexford): I thank Deputy Ryan. I have a deep interest in the proposed reorganisation of Teagasc as Johnstown Castle and Clonroche research centres are also part and parcel of that set-up.
Under the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, establishing Teagasc the structure of the organisation is a matter for the Teagasc authority in the first instance, subject to the approval of the Minister for Agriculture and Food and, in certain respects, the Minister for Finance. The Teagasc authority have to date made no proposals to the Minister regarding the future of Kinsealy Research Centre or, indeed, the reorganisation of Teagasc generally.
The Minister met the Teagasc authority on 24 April 1992. At the meeting the Minister reiterated the Government's commitment to the organisation, which was most recently demonstrated in the 1992 budget, when an additional £1 million was provided for Teagasc. The Minister stressed the need for Teagasc to provide their services in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible. It was agreed that a committee consisting of Teagasc management and senior officials of the Department of Agriculture and Food would be established to review the situation and to prepare a developmental and reorganisation plan for the organisation.
I assure Deputy Ryan that the Government are totally committed to the continued development of the horticulture industry, particularly in view of its labour intensive nature. This commitment is evidenced by the setting up of An Bord Glas in 1990 and will be fully borne in mind by the committee which has been set up to chart the future structure of Teagasc.
I also assure the Deputy that we will keep him informed as developments occur and when we get a report from that committee.