Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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1976. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the provision of agricultural internships within the State for those from other European Union states and non-European Union states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29672/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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EU citizens have the right to work within the State and enjoy the same employment rights as Irish citizens. Employment permits for non-EU citizens is a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment - there is a specific “Internship Employment Permit” designed to facilitate the employment in the State of foreign nationals who are full-time students and for the purpose of gaining work experience.

As regards the provision of agricultural internships in the agri-food sector, this is a matter for individual companies to consider. Having regard to the importance attached in Food Vision 2030 to attracting and nurturing diverse and inclusive talent across the agri-food sector, my Department is working with Teagasc and other stakeholders to provide education and training opportunities for those interested in a career in agriculture.

Teagasc currently offers 17 agricultural courses across 25 training locations comprising seven agricultural colleges and 17 regional education locations. All Teagasc courses and proposed apprenticeships are open to applications from both EU and non-EU students. Significant progress has been made over the last 18-months to develop land sector apprenticeships programmes in Sportsturf, Horticulture, Equine and Farm Management. It is intended that three of the new apprenticeships will be rolled out this year. Apprentices will be employed by approved employers and will compete the classroom element with Teagasc.

Teagasc is also committed to using its Walsh Scholarships Postgraduate Programme to support the training of international graduates to Masters and PhD level in the fields of agriculture, food, environmental science, agri-food economics, rural development, horticulture, and other related disciplines. There is currently significant participation in the Programme from both EU scholars (39) and Non-EU Scholars (77).

Bord Bia is also supporting post-graduate opportunities through its “International Graduate Programme”. This programme offers invaluable market experience to graduates, combining on-the-job experiential learning, with a fully funded monthly bursary, and academic study leading to a UCD Smurfit Business School accredited MSc.