Teagasc operates as a non-commercial state body under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Under the Act establishing Teagasc, the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, they have statutory responsibility for the provision of education, advisory and training services to the agriculture sector as well as certain responsibilities for agricultural research and development. It is a matter for Teagasc and its Board to prioritise activities in the delivery of these services and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities.
I am advised that there has been direct contact between the Secretariat of the Committee of Public Accounts and Teagasc is relation to the Kinsealy Centre. The question of the continued operation of Teagasc activities at the Kinsealy Centre is a matter for the Teagasc Authority to consider. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act and the Minister does not interfere in the day to day operations of Teagasc.