24 extra places this year in agricultural colleges

Teagasc is aiming to provide for an increased intake of 640 students this year at the country’s six agricultural colleges — an increase of 24 on last year’s numbers.

The planned intake for 2012 represents the physical limit of the colleges.

In an effort to overcome a deficit of teachers, Teagasc has redeployed advisory staff and subcontracted delivery of specific education modules across a number of colleges and local centres.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said, “The question of additional resources into the future must have regard to the need to reduce public service numbers and this requires all public bodies to comply with annual ceilings on staff numbers and to reallocate or reorganise work or staff accordingly.”

“The situation in Teagasc will be closely monitored.”