Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans he has to bring forward a supplementary estimate to provide additional funding to Teagasc; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15551/04]

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 111: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will provide additional funding to Teagasc; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15552/04]

Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.

Substantial Exchequer resources are provided each year to enable Teagasc to provide first class research, training and advisory services for Irish farmers and the food industry. The total funding provided by my Department to Teagasc for non-capital purposes has increased significantly in recent years, from €82 million in 2000 to €117 million this year. By any standards these are substantial resources and is a clear indication of the Government's continuing commitment to supporting Teagasc. In addition, we have in recent years been able to provide very substantial additional funding to Teagasc for capital development purposes. In the period 2000 to 2003 a cumulative total of almost €27 million was allocated to enable Teagasc to implement major capital development programmes at the training colleges and at the research centres. This year for capital purposes Teagasc will be able to use part of the retained proceeds from the sale of assets in 2003 and 2004 to fund its capital program in 2004.

I have no plans to provide additional funding to Teagasc this year.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the supervisory role of the Department in relation to Teagasc; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15553/04]

Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act 1988 Teagasc has delegated authority for the provision of agricultural research, training and advisory services to the agri-food sector. The role of the Minister is set out mainly in sections 3, 6, 8, 13, 15, 16 and in the First Schedule of this Act.

It is the responsibility of the Teagasc authority under the Act to exercise full and effective control over the organisation, including its day-to-day operations, and I have no role in this.