John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to increase the number of places available in agricultural colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14921/11]

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. Accordingly, delivery of the Teagasc education and training programme is an operational matter for Teagasc and its Board. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act establishing Teagasc and is not concerned with the day-to-day operations of Teagasc.

I understand the Teagasc education programme is delivered through a network of 8 agricultural colleges, 10 Regional education centres and 80 local centres. The provision of additional student places in the agricultural colleges is a matter for Teagasc management.