Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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900. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of funding provided to Teagasc each year since 2010, in tabular form; the structure and oversight his Department has to protect taxpayers’ interests; if the taxpayer receives good value for this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6818/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Teagasc operates as a non-commercial state body under the aegis of my Department. The day-to-day running of the organisation is the responsibility of the executive and its governing board, the Teagasc Authority.

My Department provides Teagasc with an annual Grant Aid subvention for salary and pension costs, operational activities, and to aid infrastructure projects. The amounts provided since 2010 are set out below.

In addition, Teagasc derives other income from research grants, advisory and education fees and industry levies. Prioritisation of funding for individual services is an operational matter for Teagasc.

In terms of oversight, there is ongoing dialogue between my Department and Teagasc on governance and programme matters. An "Oversight and Performance Agreement” is in place with Teagasc to oversee their activities and monitor performance. Audited financial statements are published annually detailing Teagasc's financial performance and financial position at year end. Teagasc's system of internal control is supported by an Audit and Risk Committee and an Internal Audit Function.

Teagasc is also obliged to submit an annual “Programme of Activities” to my Department for approval detailing activities for the year ahead with estimates of expenditure. In addition, the Chairperson of the Authority submits a comprehensive report annually on activities in the previous 12 months. It includes affirmations of compliance with a wide range of Government policies.

I am satisfied that the taxpayer receives value for money from its contribution to Teagasc activities. This funding enables Teagasc to educate and train students and adult farmers, conduct valuable public good research and encourage farmers to adopt new technologies and practices on Irish farms to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water quality and enhance farm biodiversity.