Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The development of third and fourth level education in forestry is highly desirable and something that my Department is happy to endorse and encourage. However, the responsibility for these areas lies within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan. I take on board the points Senator Barrett has made. There is a lot of opportunity for people to get involved in forestry, and there are many courses. Some are already provided at UCD, Waterford Institute of Technology and indeed Ballyhaise College in Cavan. In olden days there was more training. I support what Senator Barrett is saying and I see major opportunities for young people to train and get a job for life in forestry. We spoke earlier in response to an overview of where the forestry industry is going and the potential there. We need trained people and people who are good to go out and advise landowners. One of the issues that needs to be addressed by everybody is the change whereby landowners go from dairy or beef into forestry.

They need assurances from trained people with knowledge of the business. There is a lack of knowledge among many of those involved. Recently, I attended an open day event organised by Teagasc in west Limerick and was amazed that people came to me to say they did not know about certain aspects. They had questions to ask and much information was given. As people must be trained, there are huge opportunities in that regard. I, therefore, endorse what the Senator said. It is potentially a matter for the Minister for Education and Skills.