Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 325: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to develop, or fund the development of, an online grasslands management system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6355/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Under the Agriculture, (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, Teagasc has statutory responsibility for the provision of education and advisory services to the Agriculture sector as well as certain responsibilities for agricultural research and development. It is a matter for Teagasc and its Board to prioritise activities in the delivery of these services and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities.

I understand that Teagasc has no plans at present to develop an on-line grasslands management system. The Teagasc 'Animal and Grassland Programme' provides farmers with advice and knowledge on pasture based systems of animal production. The Programme is concerned with the development of grass breeding, establishment and renovations; grass growth, sward dynamics and utilisation; soil fertility and nutrient use efficiency and grazing management including conservation.