Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1254: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made on 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. [47717/08]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1255: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made on 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. [47718/08]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1256: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made on 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. [47719/08]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1257: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made on 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. [47721/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1254 to 1257, inclusive, together.

I understand from Teagasc that training programmes are delivered at eight colleges and local centres in agriculture, horticulture, horse breeding/training and forestry. In 2008 a total of 746 students enrolled in further level training programmes bringing the total overall number participating in these programmes to 3,480. In addition Teagasc collaborates with Institutes of Technology to deliver 11 higher level training programmes to degree level and beyond. In 2008 a total of 313 students enrolled in higher level training programmes bringing the total number participating in these programmes to 956.

During 2008 a total of 387 students participated in the new advanced Certificate in Agriculture (180 hour replacement) course. 150 participants are completing programmes at local level, 137 are completing on-line courses in conjunction with the 6 agricultural colleges and a further 100 commenced a new course in September with the Teagasc College. A range of other programmes in areas such as Food Safety, Horticulture and Information Technology are delivered on-line. In addition there is a comprehensive programme of Advanced Certificate in Agriculture courses for part-time farmers throughout the country. These courses are held largely at night and weekends to facilitate these farmers. There are a total of 16 courses now running with a total of 503 participants. Of these nine courses commenced in 2008 with a total of 306 participants. In addition to the courses above, an on-line course for poultry producers was developed and delivered in 2008.

All mainstream training programmes include modules on education courses, start your own business and farm planning. In addition the Options Planning 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. Well in excess of 2,000 farm families were taken through this process in 2008. 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. In June 2008, a major national flagship event FarmFest & Bioenergy 08 was held in Teagasc Athenry. The central theme of this event was the role of Teagasc in helping to build sustainable rural communities. An exhibit of some 350 small on-farm diversification businesses formed a major part of the event. Some 30,000 people attended. An "All Island" Innovation for rural business awards programme was also established in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Northern Ireland to incentivise and support farmers to develop business ideas in areas including, environment, energy, manufacturing, technology, tourism, value added food and services. Over 80 small business projects were entered for these awards in 2008 and the awards continue in 2009.

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. In 2008 the Salesian order decided to discontinue the provision of horticultural education at Warrenstown College, Co. Meath from June 2009. The staff, students and programmes are being integrated into the Teagasc horticultural college at the National Botanic Gardens.