I propose to take Questions Nos. 439 and 454 together.
Under the Agricultural (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, Teagasc has statutory responsibility for the delivery of education and training programmes to the agriculture sector.
The configuration of the new Single Farm Payment Scheme to prioritise support for young farmers has resulted in a temporary additional demand for Teagasc FETAC Level 6 Courses from applicants for the National Reserve and Young Farmer Scheme this autumn.
Given the exceptional nature of the demand, my Department in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has agreed that Teagasc can recruit 20 temporary teaching staff over 24 months to enable young farmers attain the necessary qualifications and thus qualify for payment under the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme.
It is expected that recruitment costs would be fully self financed from student education fees. Teagasc will also explore other available options to meet demand including the use of education sub-contractors to deliver specific course modules.
In addition to the above posts, my Department has approved a number of other mission critical appointments in the Teagasc education function over the past few years to enable Teagasc maximise student participation in agricultural education.