asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the need for a major agricultural education institute in the west of Ireland; if he has considered the former Sacred Heart College, Ballinafad, County Mayo as a major education centre for young farmers and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am aware of the high level of demand for agricultural training in the west of Ireland. However, I am satisfied that the increasing demand should be met by the expansion of existing facilities. Proposals have already been placed before the EEC Commission for the provision of a substantial number of additional places at existing agricultural colleges as part of the EEC western aid measures. I do not, therefore, propose to acquire the property referred to as an additional agricultural education centre.