Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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732. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the proposals to increase the number of places on courses in the Teagasc agricultural colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24111/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The provision of places in the Teagasc Agricultural Colleges is an operational matter for Teagasc.

In excess of 3,500 learners participate annually in Teagasc education through full-time, part time and distance education programmes. Typically, over two-thirds of learners attend the 7 agricultural colleges in the Teagasc network with the balance attending part-time programmes at 12 Regional Education Centres and local advisory offices. Apart from this, in excess of 5,000 adult farmers and industry personnel participate in short term training programmes annually.

The 7 agricultural colleges deliver a wide range of courses in agriculture, horticulture, equine and forestry, and also collaborate with a number of third level institutions in the delivery of Higher Level courses. In recent years, enrolments have more than doubled, which, of course, is a very positive development for the agricultural sector.

Teagasc has also substantially increased the number of places on the adult Green Cert programme to enable applicants comply with the education requirements of the Young Farmers Scheme and the National Reserve. Total enrolments for the period 2014 to 2016 will be in the order of 4,500.