Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 6

Written Answers - Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

189 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the vacancies, if any, within his Department for individuals with a diploma in horticulture; the plans, if any, he has to recruit these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23622/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

There are no vacancies within my Department at present specifically for individuals with diplomas in horticulture. Persons with technical qualifications in areas related to agriculture and food, including individuals with diplomas in horticulture, are eligible to compete for entry to the Civil Service in the grade of technical agriculture officer — TAO — in my Department. Vacancies for such TAO posts are being filled as they arise from an existing panel set up by the Civil Service Commission following a competition.

Particular technical posts rquiring horticulture expertise are generally filed by officers in the technical agricultural structure — TAO grade or promotion grades therefrom — who have the desired training in horticulture, be it formal diploma or other level courses or "on the job" type training.