Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there has been a change in policy to allow students of a college (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to use college machinery to carry out various contracting works at cost price, to cover the cost of diesel only; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that this is causing to local contractors who are put at a disadvantage as a result of their inability to compete with the low prices being charged by such students; if he will examine this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22954/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Operational matters such as this are properly the responsibility of the Teagasc Authority and not the Minister. I am advised by Teagasc that this matter is being dealt with locally by the Principal of the College in question and that he has met with the parties involved and agreed that future student skills practical training will be done following prior consultation with local contractors.