Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I must take my briefing from Teagasc on this issue. I can understand the importance of Kinsealy, particularly from a horticultural research perspective, but my understanding is the planned move to Ashtown and the consequential investment will be able to maintain the standard of service that already exists. It is possible to rationalise and to move four centres into three, particularly when they are in close proximity to one another. I have received a detailed briefing from Teagasc in this regard on its proposals to maintain services, while simultaneously rationalising. This is not just about Teagasc services in Kinsealy, as it has managed to rationalise all over the country. It must prioritise how it spends money both this year and into the future to ensure it derives the maximum benefit from the resources available to it. That is what this move is about.

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