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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 1996

Vol. 462 No. 3

Written Answers. - County Wexford Research Unit.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

121 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will ensure that the organic research unit in the Teagasc facility at Johnstown Castle, County Wexford is enhanced rather than curtailed as is being proposed, in that its scientific officers are being effectively removed and that there will be no technical staff in attendance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4586/96]

This is an internal matter for Teagasc which is charged under section 4 of the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988 with responsibility, inter alia, for agricultural research and training. However I have made inquiries from Teagasc and I understand that the organic unit at Johnstown Castle, which was initiated in 1990, has assembled technical and economic information pertaining to an organic cattle/sheep system. A report will be issued in September 1996 on the technical and economic findings. I understand that the unit will continue to be operated to organic standards and that essential technical information will continue to be assembled. The actual deployment of staff within Teagasc must remain a matter for the body itself. I understand that there may be further discussions between Teagasc and representatives of organic farmers.

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