Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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439. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to cater for the anticipated increase in demand for places for young farmers in agricultural training colleges identified by Teagasc in order for young farmers to acquire the necessary qualifications to be eligible for various measures in the Common Agricultural Policy from 2015 onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33082/14]

Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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454. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the demand for an online distance learning course (details supplied) which is designed for graduates who already hold a non-agricultural major award at FETAC level 6 or higher; the action he will take to meet this demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33808/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 439 and 454 together.

Under the Agricultural (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, Teagasc has statutory responsibility for the delivery of education and training programmes to the agriculture sector.

The configuration of the new Single Farm Payment Scheme to prioritise support for young farmers has resulted in a temporary additional demand for Teagasc FETAC Level 6 Courses from applicants for the National Reserve and Young Farmer Scheme this autumn.

Given the exceptional nature of the demand, my Department in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has agreed that Teagasc can recruit 20 temporary teaching staff over 24 months to enable young farmers attain the necessary qualifications and thus qualify for payment under the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme.

It is expected that recruitment costs would be fully self financed from student education fees. Teagasc will also explore other available options to meet demand including the use of education sub-contractors to deliver specific course modules.

In addition to the above posts, my Department has approved a number of other mission critical appointments in the Teagasc education function over the past few years to enable Teagasc maximise student participation in agricultural education.