Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I just have a couple of very quick questions. The first is for UCD. I was interested in the fact that about 35% of students take the work placement part overseas. Could the witnesses tell me a little more on that? I was surprised it would be that high just for the work placement element. Where do they go? What kind of industries do they go to in order to cover that part of the course? Professor Boland mentioned engagement at transition year level. What would the level of engagement be between UCD and agricultural science students? They are obviously a cohort of students who might have an interest and therefore should be looked at for providing courses and giving them that information for when they finish school. The leaving certificate is a good time to get them.

The witnesses from UCD and Teagasc mentioned the generational shift and the move away from agriculture, which none of us wants to see. Could they expand a bit on the specific courses, topics or areas they see not getting as much interest as others? What would they be? As mentioned by Teagasc, engagement with agricultural science teachers and career guidance is important. I know this as a post-primary teacher. No offence to any of the schools I went to but sometimes with career guidance you would be sent in the direction of a college or university but it is really important that young people, especially those who might do the leaving certificate and then not do anything or not go to college, be informed to know there are other options. Sometimes when they have gone out of school it is nearly too late. There is a real job of work to be done there. The agricultural science curriculum would need to be looked at as well but that is an issue for another day.