Teagasc Activities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Questions (2125, 2126)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

2125. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way that the principal functions of Teagasc as outlined in section 4 of the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act 1988 are compatible with its obligation under the Charities Act 2009 to solely pursue its charitable purpose; the way that Teagasc’s charitable purpose is determined and the person or body that determines this; the way that Teagasc is held accountable to ensure that it solely pursues its charitable purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41073/22]

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

2126. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act 1988 makes no mention of Teagasc’s charity status; the person or persons who appoint Teagasc’s charity trustees and the authority on which they appoint the trustees; if it is appropriate that Teagasc's trustees have personal liability for a State body with an annual budget of just under €200 million per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41074/22]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2125 and 2126 together.

I am advised that Teagasc is registered for charitable status within the meaning of Section 207, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 under Charity Reference Number 2002275.

The registration is ultimately a matter for the Charities Regulator, who regulates charitable organisations operating in Ireland in compliance with the Charities Act 2009 as amended.

Teagasc registered for charitable status in 1988 having regard to the principal functions in Section 4 of the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988 to provide educational and training services in agriculture and to disseminate scientific information to the agricultural industry. It enables Teagasc to avail of certain tax exemptions granted by the Revenue Commissioners in order to efficiently manage its tax affairs in compliance with tax law and regulations.

The Board of Directors of Teagasc- the Authority is collectively responsible for leading and directing Teagasc’s activities on an ethical basis and having due regard to its legal responsibilities. Accordingly, it appoints the charity trustees.

My Department has no role in the matter.

Question No. 2126 answered with Question No. 2125.