11 February 2010
Re: Possible Closure of Kinsealy Research Centre
Minister Sargent has not sanctioned the closure of the Teagasc Research facility at Kinsealy nor has the Government made any decision to close the facility. The future of the Kinsealy centre is a matter for Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority. Under the Act establishing Teagasc, the Agriculture, (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, Teagasc has statutory responsibility for the provision of education, advisory and training services to the agriculture sector. It is a matter for Teagasc and its Board to prioritise activities in the delivery of these services and to allocate its resources in accordance with these priorities. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act and the Minister does not interfere in the day-to-day operations of Teagasc.
It is understood that the Teagasc Authority recently agreed a change programme (Change Programme 2009 –2013: The Next Steps) for the organisation. It is also understand that the Change Programme will include a new plan for the development of Teagasc’s horticultural services.
Minister Sargent recognises the importance of the horticulture sector in Ireland and continues to act in the best interests of farmers and the sector in general. The Minister has just announced details of the third round of the grant aid scheme for the development of the horticulture sector under the National Development Plan (2007-2013). The scheme will fund projects in commercial horticultural production carried out during 2010. Aid is available at 40% (50% in the case of young farmers) of total eligible capital investment. The scheme covers all horticultural sectors – protected crops, nursery crops, field vegetables, soft fruit, apples, beekeeping and in limited circumstances mushrooms – and is aimed at assisting growers to efficiently produce high quality products in what is now a very competitive market.
