Michael Finucane
Question:71 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the forestry training programmes which are available in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16234/97]
Vol. 481 No. 4
71 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the forestry training programmes which are available in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16234/97]
The Forest Service of my Department has responsibility for national forestry policy, which includes, inter alia, forestry training. Training is currently carried out by three organisations: Teagasc, who provide training courses in the area of forest establishment and maintenance; Coillte Teoranta who provide courses in the area of forest harvesting and nurseries; and Forbairt who undertake training in the area of forest service marketing.
The programmes operated by the three organisations are co-ordinated centrally by the Forest Service with funding provided under the Operational Programme for Agriculture, Rural Development and Forestry.