Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2004
117 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the last date on which he visited each Teagasc research centre; the reason for this visit; his plans to visit any such centres in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15620/04]
View answer118 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the last date on which he visited each Teagasc agricultural college; the reason for the visit; his plans to visit any colleges in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15621/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together.
The running of the research centres and agricultural colleges is an operational matter for Teagasc and I have no direct role in that regard. I regularly attend Teagasc events at the invitation of Teagasc. At its invitation I recently visited the Ballyhaise agricultural college to perform the official opening of the new training facility at the college and to present certificates to students. I also made an informal visit recently to Clonakilty Agricultural College which I tend to do from time to time.
I have been invited to open the 16th international joint course on agricultural education on 30 June 2004 at Kildalton Agricultural and Horticultural College and I have also been invited to present certificates to students at Clonakilty Agricultural College on 31 May 2004.
Late last year I visited Moorepark research centre at the invitation of Teagasc on the occasion of its food research open day.
