Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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492. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the waiting list of more than 600 students awaiting certification at a college (details supplied); the steps he is taking to ensure that Teagasc is enabled to deal with this backlog and is in a position to provide a comprehensive syllabus in 2017 and thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35807/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The current exceptional demand for the Teagasc Distance Education Green Cert is linked to the education requirements of the Young Farmers Scheme and the National Reserve, which required applicants to have a prescribed Level 6 agricultural qualification – a Green Cert or equivalent in order to qualify for payment. This was to ensure that payments were targeted at “trained young farmers” who have a genuine interest in farming. Approximately, 2,000 young farmers required places arising from the education requirements of the Young Farmers Scheme and the National Reserve.

My Department in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, approved the appointment of 70 education officers and 7 administrative staff on two year contracts to enable Teagasc dramatically increase enrolments for the Green Cert Programme. The scheduling of courses and allocation of teaching staff within the Teagasc network of agricultural colleges is an operational matter Teagasc and not the Department of Agriculture. I understand that most of the teachers have been recruited and are helping to deliver record numbers of Green Cert enrolments.

In addition to the above measure, the agreed delegated sanction arrangements for Teagasc provide them with greater flexibility over permanent staff appointments. The arrangements enable Teagasc to replace staff when they retire and to make 75 new appointments subject to compliance with multi-annual pay ceilings. While Teagasc must remain within its overall pay budget, the flexibility provided by the new arrangements will allow them to fill critical vacancies and to react faster when such vacancies arise in the future. I understand a number of education appointments have been made to help meet the current demand for places.

As can be expected, the Young Farmers Scheme and National Reserve has stimulated added interest in the adult Green Cert among other farmers who have “registered an interest” with Teagasc in completing the course. My Department has asked Teagasc to explore other staffing measures, beyond further temporary recruitment, to ensure that any residual demand for the Green Cert can be accommodated within a realistic time-frame. My Department will continue to monitor the Green Cert situation in Teagasc closely.