Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021
372. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ensure that capacity for green cert courses meets demand in 2021/2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27233/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has been working closely with Teagasc to maximise participation in the Green Cert within the Teagasc network of agricultural colleges and regional education centres.
In recent years, all eligible applicants have been accommodated on full-time Green Cert courses and Teagasc expect a similar outcome for the 2021/2022 academic year.
Demand remains robust for the Part-time and Distance Education options at the regional education centres. I recently received sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for Teagasc to recruit 20 temporary Education Officers on a two year contract basis to help meet demand for those options. I understand that 15 posts are being allocated to Northwest/Northeast catchment areas where demand is greatest. It will enable Teagasc to sustain the very high level of Green Cert enrolments achieved over recent years. Teagasc at this point expects to offer up to 1,500 Part-time and Distance places in 2021.
