The college that the Deputy asks about is a private agricultural training institution which does not currently receive direct funding from my department, nor is there any direct oversight of their operations. My understanding is that the college provides training services, funded by both participants themselves and by Teagasc.
In the agricultural training space, my department provides funding to a range of Universities, Technical Universities that fall within the remit of the HEA and Further Education providers, under the remit of SOLAS. For example, Green Certificate courses are available throughout 10 Education and Training Boards, covering agriculture, forestry, horticulture, and equine studies. From enquiries made by my officials with SOLAS, I understand that there were some 600 participants on green certificate courses during 2021 and that there are no plans to significantly expand provision within the ETB (Educational Training Board) sector.
I understand that the main agency with responsibility for the Green Certificate and the substantive provider is Teagasc. The college should liaise with their usual funding providers and explore options for this major capital development.
