Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 441: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, due to the expansion in the agri-food economy, there are any plans to develop part-time and evening courses or degrees in horticulture. [12396/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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This is an operational matter for Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority whose principal functions are to provide, or procure the provision of, educational, training, research and advisory services in agriculture. Teagasc is the primary state education provider in agriculture, food, horticulture, forestry and equine studies and works in partnership with many other education stakeholders including Universities and Institutes of Technology to deliver quality driven education and training programmes.

These programmes are provided through its network of colleges and regional education centres with full-time, part-time and distance learning courses offered as appropriate. Programmes are learner-centred, based on a platform of innovation and excellence and respond to the need for competitiveness in existing sectors and opportunities in the wider bio-economy. Lifelong learning is an essential requirement and Teagasc advisory and education services are committed to expanding the organisation's role in this area.

In relation to the provision of part time horticultural education, I have been informed that Teagasc conduct a range of short courses for horticultural producers at regular intervals. These courses include, for example, Pesticide Application, Introduction to Vegetable Growing and Organic Production. I understand they are currently exploring the possibility of delivering specific horticultural modules online.

Teagasc also provide full-time further level and higher level programmes for new entrants to horticulture. Some examples include the FETAC accredited Advanced Certificate in Horticulture at Kildalton College and the College of Amenity Horticulture in the National Botanic Gardens. Both of these colleges are also involved in delivering the Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Horticulture Programme in conjunction with Waterford Institute of Technology.