I propose to take Questions Nos. 568 to 570, inclusive, together.
The questions relate to the closure of the Teagasc Research Centre in Kinsealy. I responded to similar questions from Deputy Daly during the Dáil debate last week. As I stated then, the future of the Kinsealy Centre is an operational matter for the Teagasc Authority to determine. I understand that the Authority has concluded that the Centre is no longer a strategic site for the organization and that programmes and staff can be accommodated in Ashtown and other Teagasc sites. It should be noted that Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act establishing Teagasc, the Agriculture, (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988. While this is primarily a management issue for Teagasc, I am requesting further detail from them with regards to the rationale behind their decision.