Deputy Paul Connaughton has called on the Minister for Agriculture Mr Brendan Smith, and Gerry Boyle Director of Teagasc to provide sufficient staff to accommodate the record breaking number of students who have applied for places at Mountbellew Agriculture College this September.
Deputy Connaughton said it was infuriating for everyone concerned that over 100 students applied and because of staff numbers only about 50 students could be accommodated.
“I am aware that the full quota of applicants could be accommodated at Mountbellew College if the teaching numbers had not been reduced this summer. In the middle of a recession when families are at their wits end with what is the best educational path for their children, and when there are new and exciting courses organised between Mountbellew Agriculture College and GMIT, it is both crazy and irresponsible to curtail numbers.”
The deputy has subsequently written to the Minister for Agriculture to request extra staff be made available to the college for the next academic year.
