asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the qualifications required of candidates for field posts in his Department and, in particular, the qualifications required for staff to operate the milk recording scheme; and if he will state the steps being taken to make sufficient qualified staff available in future so as to ensure that no Departmental schemes are held up through lack of qualified staff.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Departmental Staff Qualifications.
6.
The normal basic qualifications required for field posts in my Department, including those for the milk recording scheme, are satisfactory completion of at least one session at a recognised agricultural college, a good general education, and a good knowledge of farming as practised in Ireland. The increasing number of student places being provided at the agricultural colleges in recent years is helping towards overcoming the temporary shortage experienced.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that the progress is satisfactory in regard to the provision of qualified staff, particularly in view of the fact that the milk recording scheme has been held up for some years as a result of a lack of qualified staff?
I am satisfied that we will be able to get over this. It is only a temporary problem. Since 1959, 50 additional student places have been made available at State agricultural colleges and there are plans for a definite expansion of this number.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that the rate of improvement in the provision of agricultural education in this country is well behind that obtaining in practically all competing countries in Europe?
I do not agree at all. It is only a temporary shortage and we are taking steps to get over it.