Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 4

Written Answers. - Agricultural Education.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

100 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the declining number of young people applying for places in agricultural colleges; the Government policy on making it more attractive for young people to take up a career in mainstream agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18438/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

According to provisional figures provided by Teagasc, the number of students enrolled in the 11 agricultural colleges this autumn is down by 7.5 per cent to 860 from 930 in 1997. This, however, is a much more modest reduction than had been predicted. Indeed, the level of enrolments this year is quite encouraging, particularly when one considers the increased choices available to school leavers today in terms of job opportunities which were not there previously as well as the increasing numbers of places available in third level institutes.

I would, of course, emphasise the importance of agricultural education and training for any young person who intends to take up farming. Continuing technological and economic change makes such training essential for a successful career in the demanding world of modern farming. There are significant financial advantages available from the State to young trained farmers. Relief from stamp duty on the transfer of agricultural land is provided to trained young farmers who meet certain conditions. This applies both to gifts and sales and amounts to a reduction of two-thirds of the stamp duty which would otherwise be payable. Young trained farmers can benefit under the special stock relief scheme and qualify for the transfer of land under the early retirement scheme for farmers.

While there are many factors which may influence young people to embark on a career in farming, it is recognised that the financial assistance provided under the installation aid scheme has provided a significant incentive in this regard. I have already dealt with this in replying to a separate question from the Deputy about the scheme.