Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2017
569. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of progress towards the programme for Government commitment that the green cert will be reviewed to ensure it is fit for purpose. [53980/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Green Cert is delivered by Teagasc and has been developed to meet the training requirements for part-time and full-time farmers. It is accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) an independent State agency responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training services in Ireland.
In 2016, Teagasc and QQI undertook a comprehensive review of the Green Cert to ensure that it reflects the changing requirements of Irish farming. This review process was led by a Standards Review Group on behalf of QQI and included industry stakeholders. The Review Group recommended strengthening the Green Cert across many key areas, in particular, grass management, animal breeding, health and safety and sustainable farming approaches.
Subject to formal validation from QQI, Teagasc plan to roll out the new Green Cert programme from early 2018.
