Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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913. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter in relation to young farmers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19549/20]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Teagasc is the primary education provider for the farming community delivering a wide range of programmes on a full-time, part-time and distance education basis including the Green Cert Programme. 

I am advised that Teagasc has not cancelled any courses arising from COVID 19. In regard to full-time courses, its agricultural colleges plan to reopen in September for the 2020/21 academic year.  Delivery will involve a combination of face-to-face and remote delivery in line with arrangements elsewhere in the Further and Higher education sectors. Potential applicants can still apply online for full-time Teagasc courses. 

Part-time and Distance education Green Cert courses in progress  pre-COVID are continuing. It is intended that new courses will continue on a normal rolling basis - start dates may be somewhat affected by the disruption of recent months.