Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. With regard to the last part of his contribution, I understand the importance of having a proper advisory service in view of the approach of the 2020 targets. It is important for anybody going into agriculture, or already in agriculture, that the best advice possible is available. Since we came into government, we have had representations about many Teagasc offices that have been closed down. I cannot comment on decisions made by Teagasc, but one wonders whether some of these closures were in the right areas. However, that is a decision for Teagasc. I cannot honestly say how it will be reviewed, but I will consider what the Deputy has said and pass it on to the Minister. I do not know whether the door is closed, but I appreciate what the Deputy is saying. Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority, was established under the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act 1988 to provide integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry. The organisation's mission is to support science-based innovation in the agrifood sector and wider bio-economy so as to underpin profitability, competitiveness and sustainability.

It is the main agency responsible for delivering the Government's objectives on innovation and the knowledge economy as far as the agrifood sector is concerned. Its programmes and services are critical in enabling the sector take full advantage of the many opportunities in global markets. Delivery of these programmes and services is an operational matter for Teagasc and its board. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act establishing Teagasc and is not concerned with the day-to-day operations of Teagasc.

Each year, Teagasc receives substantial Exchequer resources to fund the delivery of first class training, research and advisory services. The allocation for the current year is €132 million. This is very substantial funding by any standards and a firm indication of the Government's ongoing commitment to Teagasc activities. Prioritisation of funding for particular services is a matter for Teagasc management to determine.

Teagasc commenced a change process in mid-2008 in order to ensure it remains fit for purpose and delivers value for public money. The Teagasc Change Programme 2009-2013 addresses both the ongoing need for change and the need for significant resource rationalisation. Implementation is resulting in the disposal of surplus assets, a significant reduction in the number of research, advisory and educational locations, the cutting of management and administrative posts and significant productivity gains by staff. On completion, the future Teagasc will be a smaller, highly innovative, efficient and focused organisation.

I understand that as part of the change programme, Teagasc has decided to concentrate the delivery of its services, including advisory services, at fewer centres. The existing network of advisory offices will be streamlined from 91 to 51 by the end of 2012. The specific criteria used by Teagasc in assessing the viability of advisory office locations included client numbers, staff numbers, distance to clients, distance to other Teagasc offices and overall cost structure. The decision to close these offices and concentrate the delivery of services at fewer locations is entirely a matter for Teagasc and its board. It should be noted that on average clients visit an advisory office 1.5 times per year. Farmers tend to gravitate much more readily to other public events such as seminars, farm walks, demonstrations and information meetings. A good example is the discussion group model where groups of farmers visit similar farms and share information and experiences in dialogue facilitated by their Teagasc adviser. I must state this is very successful and it is the way forward in all aspects of farming.

The Scariff office is one of 40 which the Teagasc board has decided to close under the change programme. Despite the closure, Teagasc is committed to maintaining a high quality service to its farmer clients in County Clare. They will continue to have access to the best possible advice delivered by highly skilled advisory staff based at Teagasc's remaining offices in Ennis and Kilrush. I understand that Teagasc is investing €200,000 to renovate and extend the advisory office in Ennis.

The Teagasc authority has stressed that when the rationalisation programme is implemented it will still have a significant network of advisory offices, research centres and training colleges located throughout the country. Therefore, the ability of Teagasc to provide its range of services will not be diminished.

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