Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Carthy. I can reassure him, and he will be glad to hear, there was no hand washing on agricultural or Teagasc students. I certainly stepped up to the plate and worked with Teagasc to ensure that they would be supported. I also ensured that Teagasc would continue to be supported in the important work it carries out in the recent budget. The fact this funding was in place has been very welcome. I should point out it is alongside some funding for laptop provision for students at agricultural colleges, which is also something on which Teagasc worked with me. I commend Teagasc on how it has worked with students in this regard. It does exceptional work in a very hands-on practical manner in training our farmers and providing very high quality certified courses to ensure we have a very strong and fully educated young farmer base coming into renew our agricultural workforce. I assure Deputy Carthy I will continue to work with Teagasc to support those students in the important educational remit it has in the time ahead.

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