Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 548: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to support education and training courses for both young and adult farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28602/08]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 549: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to fund educational and commercial development courses to equip farmers for diversification into new enterprises and revise educational curricula to take account of agriculture post CAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28603/08]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 550: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to ensure that courses are available at night, at weekends and through e-learning to facilitate part-time farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28604/08]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 551: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to invest in agricultural colleges here and restructure the environment through which they are supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28606/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 548 to 551, inclusive, together.

I understand from Teagasc that training programmes are delivered at eight colleges and local centres in agriculture, horticulture, horse breeding and forestry. In 2007 a total of 612 students enrolled in further level training programmes bringing the total overall number participating in these programmes to 3,353. In addition Teagasc collaborates with Institutes of Technology to deliver 11 higher level training programmes to degree level and beyond. In 2007 a total of 243 students enrolled in higher level training programmes bringing the total number participating in these programmes to 770.

During 2007 a total of 450 students completed both the 100 hour and the 80 hour courses online through the Teagasc eCollege. This is additional to the students who completed these programmes at Teagasc colleges/local centres. Three new Advanced Certificate in Agriculture programmes for part-time farmers commenced in 2007. A range of other programmes in areas such as Food Safety, Horticulture and Information Technology are delivered online and Teagasc intend to expand on this in 2008.

All mainstream training programmes include modules on course and career planning, start your own business and farm planning. In addition the Options Analysis Programme,a central component of Teagasc's Advisory Service, takes farm families through a formal planning process to identify new development pathways and/or referral to diversification and business start-up programmes. Additional specialists have been appointed in the areas of artisan food and rural tourism, equines, renewable energy and organic production. Two food technologists have also been appointed. This will enable a greater number of farmers to avail of specialist training and support services in all of these areas. During 2007, national conferences were held in artisan food and rural tourism, goat production, deer production, equines and organics. An "All Island" Innovation for rural business awards programme was also established in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Northern Ireland (DARDNI) to incentivise and support farmers to develop business ideas in areas including, environment, energy, manufacturing, technology, tourism, value added food and services.

A review of college infrastructure was undertaken by an outside consultancy body and was finalised early in 2008 and agreed by the Teagasc Authority. Four colleges, (three Teagasc colleges and one private college) were prioritised in terms of future capital expenditure. The remaining four colleges of which three are private colleges and one Teagasc college will be required to deliver the overall Teagasc Education Programme and together with Teagasc senior management are agreeing a work programme to ensure their future viability.