Rory O'Hanlon
Ceist:231 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has for direct funding for private agricultural colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20942/98]
Written Answers. - Agricultural Colleges.
Under section 4 of the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, Teagasc is charged, inter alia, with the provision of educational services in agriculture and horticulture. In conformity with this provision, Exchequer funding for the sector is channelled through Teagasc.
Teagasc has made a submission to my Department seeking funding over five years to meet the capital development needs of Teagasc colleges, the private colleges and some local Teagasc training centres. My Department has also received a detailed submission from the Agricultural and Horticultural Colleges' Association on the funding requirements of the colleges. These submissions are under consideration at present.