Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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452. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the educational criteria required to be eligible for participation in the 2017 national reserve. [14915/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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In order to fulfil the agricultural educational requirements to qualify for the 2017 National Reserve, applicants must have successfully completed a recognised course in agriculture giving rise to an award at FETAC level 6 or its equivalent by the 15th May 2017. 

Where an applicant has fully completed their course by 15th May but has not yet been verified as successful or received final certification, a letter from the college should be submitted with the National Reserve application.  Applications will not be further processed until the Department receives confirmation from the applicant that they have successfully passed all requirements to receive certification.

Decisions in relation to the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme, including educational qualifications, are made in consultation with the Direct Payments Advisory Committee which includes members of the main farming bodies and education and advisory services. Full Terms and Conditions of the 2017 National Reserve will be available shortly.