Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 2

Written Answers. - Agricultural Colleges.

John Bruton

Question:

128 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will make a statement of the future of agricultural colleges in respect of the number of places needed going forward into the future; the number of colleges which will continue to function primarily as agricultural colleges; and his views on the implications of this for the staff and others affected. [13493/00]

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

These issues are primarily a matter for Teagasc which has statutory responsibility for the provision of agricultural education and training. They are also being examined by the task force which I established last November to review the training needs of the agriculture sector. The task force is expected to conclude its deliberations shortly.