Patrick O’Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael) asks the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the external examiner assigned to agricultural colleges is required to liaise with the horticulture industry in terms of establishing current best practices and approaches when assessing the course content examination methods and certification standards for trainees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Simon Coveney (Minister, Department of Agriculture, the Marine and Food; Cork South Central, Fine Gael) answers: This is an operational matter for Teagasc, the Agriculture, Food and Development Authority who operate as a separate non-commercial state body under the aegis of the Department.
The Agriculture, (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988, confers on Teagasc 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.
I understand that FETAC is the awarding authority for horticultural awards in the further education sector and is responsible for the development of award standards for all accredited education programmes including those for the horticultural sector. FETAC validate the programmes of all FETAC registered providers of horticultural education including Teagasc.
To ensure comprehensive consultation across the horticultural sector in the redevelopment of horticultural awards, FETAC established a Horticultural Standards Development Group which was chaired by Teagasc and included representatives from a wide range of stakeholders including the organic sector, fruit and vegetable growers, state agencies and others.
I am advised by Teagasc that the external examination verifier assigned to agricultural colleges reviews both student records for practical training periods and the student reports issued by horticultural growers who host horticultural students on placements. Evaluations of host grower ratings of students have indicated satisfactory performance by students on placement.
Source: KildareStreet – Dail Questions – Best Practice for Horticulture Courses Content
