Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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279. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the knowledge transfer programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20171/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Knowledge Transfer Groups are currently being rolled out as part of the range of supports and measures contained in Ireland’s Rural Development Programme (RDP), 2014-2020. The terms and conditions for the Scheme set out a required group size of 12 – 18 participants and a maximum number of 5 groups per facilitator. Maintaining the required group size and the maximum number of Knowledge Transfer Groups per facilitator is designed to underpin a more effective group interaction and to facilitate the delivery of the individualised Farm Improvement Plans which each farmer must develop with his facilitator as part of the Scheme.

My officials have examined our records in relation to the group names provided, and I note that the facilitator in question has registered the maximum number of Knowledge Transfer Groups. I have asked my officials to examine this case.