Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004
26 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans she has to bring forward a supplementary Estimate to provide additional funding to Teagasc; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18257/04]
View answerSubstantial Exchequer resources are provided each year to enable Teagasc to provide first class research, training and advisory services for Irish farmers and the food industry. The total funding provided by the Department to Teagasc for non-capital purposes has increased significantly in recent years, from €82 million in 2000 to €117 million this year. By any standards these are substantial resources and is a clear indication of the Government's continuing commitment to supporting the development of the agri-food sector.
In addition, in recent years substantial additional funding has been provided to Teagasc for capital development purposes. In the period 2000 to 2003, a cumulative total of almost €35 million was allocated — from the Exchequer, €27 million, and from retained proceeds from the sale of assets in 2003, €8 million — to enable Teagasc to implement major capital development programmes at the training colleges and at the research centres. This year, for capital purposes Teagasc will be able to use up to €7 million from the retained proceeds from the sale of assets in 2003 and 2004 to fund its capital programme in 2004. In the circumstances I have no plans to provide additional funding to Teagasc this year.
