Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 May 2010
106 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures in the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes specifically targeting cuts at Teagasc which are to be implemented; if he still holds the view that it is the responsibility of the Teagasc authority to exercise full and effective control over the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21969/10]
View answerIt is the responsibility of the Teagasc Authority to exercise full and effective control over the organisation. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act establishing Teagasc and is not concerned with the day-to-day operations of Teagasc.
The Teagasc Authority approved a major ‘Change Programme' in March 2009 to reorganise and refocus the organisation to meet the significant challenges that lie ahead. This required Teagasc to build greater flexibility and responsiveness in all areas of its activities and to implement a credible rationalization plan to enable the organisation adapt to medium-term budgetary constraints. The planned Programme has a medium term implementation timeframe and provides for rationalisation measures across the organisation including the advisory office and educational networks, disposal of land resources and prioritisation of programme activities. The agreed actions are being implemented and tie in with the recommendations in the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programme Report as they concern Teagasc. In addition, an Employment Control Framework for Teagasc is being developed to manage overall staff numbers employed by Teagasc to 31 December 2012.
