Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Agriculture; Fisheries and Food the discussions he has had with Teagasc regarding the impact of the public sector moratorium on teacher numbers at agricultural colleges. [17632/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have had discussions with Teagasc in relation to the impact of the moratorium on operations including the delivery of education courses in the agricultural colleges. Delivery of the Teagasc education programme is an operational matter for Teagasc and its Board. I understand that over 200 staff are currently employed in the Teagasc owned colleges and the private agricultural colleges. The question of additional resources in Teagasc must have regard to Government policy on public service numbers and the need to achieve savings in the public service pay bill through planned reductions in staff numbers. Therefore, when vacancies arise, public service organisations must reallocate or reorganise work or staff accordingly. Any exceptions to this principle can only be considered in very limited circumstances in respect of mission critical posts and in full compliance with annual ceilings on staff numbers.