Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
562. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to expand the number of placements for young farmers waiting to complete their green cert; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26656/23]
View answerThe Green Cert is an accredited education programme delivered by approved education providers including Teagasc, Employment and Training Boards (ETBs) and some private providers.
Teagasc deliver the Green Cert on a fulltime, part-time and distance education basis through its network of agricultural colleges and regional education centres. It is committed to accommodating all farmers that require a place on their Green Cert programme. Courses commence at various stages across the year depending on demand.
Its intake capacity has been substantially boosted in recent years through the recruitment of almost 120 temporary Green Cert teachers. This model has proved very effective in enabling Teagasc to enrol large volumes in a quick and flexible manner. Just over 10,000 adult learners graduated since 2014 while there are a further circa 3,000 learners currently engaging on the Green Cert programme.
My Department continues to proactively engage with Teagasc on demand for Green Cert places. Approval was recently secured from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform for Teagasc to hire 20 additional Green Cert teachers. It will enable Teagasc to further increase the number of available Green Cert places from September.
