Vol. 527 No. 3
69 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the progress being made with regard to the commitment given in the Review of the Action Programme for the Millennium to support the re-orientation of our agricultural and food research, training and advisory services in line with Teagasc 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28440/00]
My Department is providing the necessary financial resources for Teagasc to meet its objectives in the context of the Teagasc 2000 programme. Implementation of the programme is, of course, a matter for Teagasc.
I understand from Teagasc that, on the advisory and training side, agreement has been reached with staff on the necessary reorientation of services and, subject to the successful conclusion of outstanding pay and grading discussions which are currently near finalisation, the implementation of Teagasc 2000 will proceed as planned.
A major development of Teagasc research services is in progress with the allocation of £25 million to enhance the scientific capability of Teagasc in specific core technologies relevant to the future economic development and prosperity of the sector. Capital funding is also being provided to enable Teagasc to upgrade the agricultural colleges and other training facilities.
