Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
1669. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Teagasc advisors under the knowledge transfer group scheme can charge a fee greater than €500 for acting as facilitators to groups under the scheme. [28440/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Knowledge Transfer Programme under Ireland's Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020 is delivered by a network of approved Knowledge Transfer Facilitators. Facilitators who meet their commitment under the programme are due a payment per participant of €500 for each year of the three year programme. Payment to facilitators under the programme covers the cost of preparing for and holding meetings as well as the time they spend producing an individualised Farm Improvement Plan for each farmer participant. My Department does not require a participant under the Knowledge Transfer Programme to be a client of Teagasc. It was open to participants to enrol in a group facilitated by either a private or Teagasc advisor.
In addition to its involvement in the Knowledge Transfer Programme, Teagasc also provide an extensive range of Advisory Services to Ireland’s farmers, including 45,000 direct contracts. The primary purpose is to maximise the income and sustainability of farm families within rural communities through improved farm efficiency, based on the transfer of knowledge, new technologies and best practice to all sectors of the industry. The cost of delivering these services is partially borne by the State in the form of an annual Grant-in-Aid, with the balance provided by fees charged to farmers, and some programme support from industry – mainly dairy processing co-ops.
