Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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522. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Teagasc educational officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31421/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Teagasc is the main provider of further education in agriculture, food, horticulture, forestry and equine studies. Its policy is to accommodate all students that require places. Interest in part- time and distance education courses (Green Cert) is exceptionally high, at present, due to the education requirements of the Young Farmers Scheme and the National Reserve. My Department approved the appointment of 20 temporary teachers in 2014 to cope with the demand. It enabled Teagasc to substantially increase Green Cert intake from a normal level of 500 annually to 1,500 enrolees, a threefold increase. A further 20 temporary teachers were approved in July 2015 facilitating an additional 1,000 places for the Green Cert this autumn. It brings the overall allocation of temporary teaching posts to date to 40. My Department continues to work closely with Teagasc to explore available options to manage the demand for Green Cert places. The provision of courses and allocation of resources in particular locations remains an operational matter for Teagasc.