Further and Higher Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023

Monday, 11 September 2023

Questions (1303)

Martin Browne

Question:

1303. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are capital funding streams available for the development of classrooms at a college (details supplied); if his Department is aware that the college has developed a strategic plan to reinforce its position as an educator in agriculture in the Midlands and as such, has compiled a 5-year strategic plan involving the proposed development of a new classroom block; if his Department is aware that the college is registered as a charity and any monies it received from Teagasc do not extend to capital projects; and if he will consider outlining the streams of funding that would be available to the college. [38355/23]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Gurteen agricultural college is one of three privately owned colleges that deliver education courses on behalf of Teagasc. Each private college has its own governing body and is autonomous from Teagasc with respect to operational matters etc.

My Department is aware that Gurteen Agricultural College propose to build a new classroom block on the college grounds. This is a private venture by the college. My Department does not provide direct funding to the private agricultural colleges in the Teagasc network.  

Significant exchequer funding is being made available annually to aid Teagasc activities across its research, advisory and education directorates. It enables Teagasc to provide financial support to the private agricultural colleges in the form of operational grants, small capital grants and subvented staff.

This funding forms a significant proportion of the funding streams of each private college, which also generate additional income from other sources, activities, and collaborations.