asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is intended to increase the number of agricultural colleges throughout the country to cater for the increasing demand for places annually.

It is intended to increase residential student places at existing agricultural colleges and it is also proposed to further develop local part-time vocational training in agriculture. The objective of this policy which is included in the White Paper on National Development is to provide education and training opportunities for all young men and women entering farming.

How many new places are in the agricultural colleges and where are they being provided?

How many new places are available?

How many are to be created? The Minister referred to new places.

I do not think I have the number of places. I am sorry I have not got that information. I can get it for the Deputy. Places are to be made available at the existing agricultural colleges.

I realise that, but where? Will they all be in one college or in a number of colleges?

There are a number of them: Athenry, Ballyhaise, Clonakilty and Kildalton will all get extra places.

They are all State-run colleges?

Yes.

Has the Minister any proposal to enlarge the number of places in the State-aided colleges which are run independently?

I have not got that information. If the need is there, it will probably be done. There is a big demand for those places.

Could the Minister supply me with the information later?

I can, yes.