Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Nov 1999

Vol. 509 No. 6

Written Answers. - Teagasc Training Programmes.

Michael Ring

Question:

224 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to alter the Teagasc certificate in farming course to make it more accessible for young farmers in view of the declining number of young farmers; if he will make the course more compatible with other third level qualification courses and include apprenticeship training for a trade as part of the course in view of the fact more participants will only be part-time farmers; if he will make the course accessible to those who currently work full-time by offering the option of part-time or evening study for the qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21307/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

Agricultural education and training programmes are a matter for Teagasc in the first instance. They were covered in the Teagasc 2000 review which was completed last year. As a result of that review, a number of new Teagasc training programmes are being introduced and fundamental changes are being made in the manner in which some training programmes are delivered. However, I recently announced the establishment of a task force to examine the possibilities for further progress in this area with the view to servicing the needs of the agricultural and rural sector in the period ahead.