Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for a State body, namely Teagasc, entering the farm IT market, an area that had been well served by the private sector; the cost to the State of this body serving this market; his views on the fact that the State's involvement in this sector have resulted in the loss of private sector jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22268/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Teagasc is a non-commercial state body under the aegis of my Department. Under the Act establishing Teagasc, it is charged with the provision of research, advice and education services in support of Ireland's agrifood industry. The manner in which these services are delivered is an operational matter for Teagasc. I understand that Teagasc offers an online service to all users who access its website, providing information relating to its research, advice and training activities and has developed a range of online advisory support tools and spreadsheets (not software packages), which it has made available to its clients. Teagasc does not provide farm management software packages to farmers. The Deputy may wish to contact Teagasc directly for further detail.