John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)

I wish to preface my remarks by saying that I was elected as a Fianna Fáil Deputy and I am supporting the Government. I do not wish to sound hypocritical tonight and say that I have supported cuts in the current economic world recession and that I will not support them in my own constituency. It is important to put this on the record of the House.

I wish to raise the issue of the Salesian College in Pallaskenry, County Limerick. This college was established in 1919 and it has played a significant role in educating young farmers since then. There are six agricultural colleges in the country and Teagasc is recommending that the number of colleges should be reduced from six to two, leaving one in Kilkenny and one in Cavan. I refer to the geographical location of Pallaskenry. As well as having excellent education and training facilities, the college attracts young farmers from many counties throughout Munster. Driving, most of the young farmers can get home to south County Galway, County Clare, north County Cork or north County Tipperary within one and a half hours. As well as furthering their education, many of them are committed to working on their families' farms. It is important that we maintain the presence of a college in Pallaskenry in the heart of the Golden Vale where one third of this country's milk is produced.

I want to be fair to Teagasc, which I admire for its work, and its officials in my county in particular. They have a job to do and, in the current economic climate, their budget has been reduced by €10 million. While I accept this fact, there is room for compromise and the retention of a third college, which should be the Pallaskenry Agricultural College. The cost of the subsidy to Teagasc is approximately €400,000. However, it is vital that, alongside Teagasc, every effort be made to save the college. It has operated for many years and played a considerable role in the education of thousands of young farmers, both boarders and those who attended on a day to day basis. It has stood the farming community throughout County Limerick and adjoining counties well.

We will not always be in this economic situation and I am sure that it will improve. When it does, it will be important to have given the young people in question a solid education. Many of them have an opportunity to diversify within the various courses on offer in colleges such as that at Pallaskenry, but they will not be in a position to travel to the two remaining colleges. With the greatest respect to Teagasc, the outreach centres throughout the country that it has suggested will not replace our fine colleges.

I appeal to the Minister of State, the Department and Teagasc for a review of the situation in favour of a more sensible one. Teagasc might not be able to provide the full subsidy required, but I appeal to it. Closing the Pallaskenry college would be a backwards step. It is a fine facility and is not falling down or does not need a significant capital injection. It has excellent staff who have been tried and tested for many years. The college would be a considerable loss to those we are trying to encourage to take up farming. Many of the young people in question have the foresight to want to attend college, better themselves and get diplomas. I appeal for a review of the situation.

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