Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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339. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline his plans to ensure an adequate supply of skilled manpower to focus on the nursery crops and landscape sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18596/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Horticultural training and education is provided through various colleges and universities. The main providers are: University College Dublin provides a HETAC level 8 degree in Horticulture as part of its Bachelor of Agriculture Science degree programme. The course covers a wide range of subjects including landscaping, nursery stock, sports turf management along with science and business.

There are 16 final year students on the course. Teagasc Colleges at Kildalton and the National Botanic Gardens provide a range of horticultural courses including FETAC level 5 with most students then progressing to level 6. In conjunction with Waterford institute of Technology, students can progress to the BSc in Horticulture at HETAC level 7. Approximately 50 students per year graduate across the colleges at level 6 and 7. Cork Institute of Technology, in conjunction with the Teagasc Agricultural College in Clonakilty, provide HETAC level 7 and 8 degrees in Horticulture Blanchardstown Institutes of Technology also provide their own horticultural degree courses at level 7 and 8 with upwards of 20 graduates per year. Some other Institutes of Technology are also looking at the opportunities of providing courses in horticulture. Many of the graduates of these courses work in nurseries, landscaping and as managers of horticultural establishments or go on to establish their own businesses.

Overall, there are a significant number of courses and training opportunities for those who are interested in a career in horticulture and I am confident that the Colleges are constantly monitoring the situation to ensure that there is a sufficient number of graduates emerging from these institutions to meet the requirements of industry.