Calls for Teagasc to outline plans
He welcomed the decision by the Teagasc board to keep offices in Boyle, Bagenalstown, Gorey and Mullinavat open.
Mr Naughten who is his party’s spokesperson on agriculture said however, the uncertainty caused by the U-turn on the closures raises further doubts about the exact nature of the plans Teagasc has for training services going forward.
The advisory body argued consistently over the past few months that closure of these offices was essential to meet the Government’s demand for a 12% cut in Teagasc spending, he said.
When Teagasc went before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture last week Jim Flanagan, Director of Teagasc, spoke of a financial shortfall which had to be overcome through “cutbacks”, he said.
Why has Teagasc changed its mind in the meantime. If a shortfall exists will Teagasc cut services? he asked.
Or will the advisory board cut staff or simply cut services to farmers in the future?
After a board meeting of Teagasc held in Donegal yesterday chairman Dr Tom O’Dwyer confirmed that the offices in question were to stay open.
“It was natural that, as the office structure was the public face of Teagasc in many areas, the number of offices and locations offering advisory services was very symbolic for farmers“, he said.
For that reason the offices targeted for closure are to remain open, he said.
