Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he is taking to ensure that the staff needed to fulfil the teaching requirements of courses being offered in agricultural colleges will be delivered as soon as possible, in view of the increased demand for places at the colleges; the action he is taking on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7945/11]

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, research and advisory services to the Agriculture sector. 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 Teagasc employs over 180 staff and funds the salaries of a further 40 staff in the privately owned agricultural colleges to deliver their Education Programme. The Programme includes a wide range of education and training courses targeted at young people planning to embark on careers in farming, horticulture, equine, forestry and adult farmers wishing to acquire a skill set/training in a particular area.

Implementation of the Teagasc Education Programme is an operational matter for the Teagasc Authority. Teagasc must work within Government guidelines on public service numbers and match demand for education programmes and other services with available staff resources. Reallocation of work and redeployment of staff will be an essential part of this process.