Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know the absolute value of the body of trained young farmers who will revitalise our farming sector, as well as the absolute importance of our educational system in equipping them to farm in the most efficient, effective and sustainable way into the future and to underpin our agricultural sector. Crucial to that are our educational providers. Teagasc plays a strong and crucial role in that regard. I am committed to ensuring agricultural college students are treated fairly and the same as all other students.

My Department and Teagasc are working together ensuring that supports will be put in place to reflect the additional challenges on students as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. A Covid payment is being made available to ease the financial burden on full-time students in the colleges. Students who qualify for the Teagasc maintenance grant will receive a top-up payment of €250. Students not in receipt of the grant will receive a fee rebate of €100 if they have paid the annual contribution charge of €990 for Teagasc level 5 and level 6 full-time courses. Overall, the foregoing is expected to benefit approximately 1,000 learners at a cost of over €200,000. I am confident that this package of measures will greatly assist Teagasc learners to adjust to the impact of Covid-19 in a manner no different to learners in the wider education sector supported through the Department of higher education.

I made this a priority in recent weeks and have worked closely with Macra na Feirme on it. I acknowledge its campaigning and advocacy on this particular issue with me to find a solution. Macra na Feirme has welcomed this warmly. I recognise the central role it played advocating on behalf of these students, many of whom members of it.

See this speech in context