asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will retain the Munster Institute, Bishopstown, Cork, as an educational college.

The previous Government decided that the retention of the Munster Institute by the State as an educational establishment was no longer warranted and this decision was endorsed by the present Government.

Would the Minister not agree that due to the increase in paperwork being foisted on farmers, educational facilities in that field should be made available to the young farmers and would he not agree that the Munster Institute would be an ideal place for the setting up of such facilities for such an important industry? The records that we are all looking for could be kept there in the future.

I understand that due to the rundown in these courses in the Munster Institute over the years, it was no longer a practicable proposition from a financial point of view to continue these courses. I further understand that the sale of the property, which is supposed to be worth something in the region of £2 million, is the subject of arrangements being made with University College, Cork, and ACOT for the relocation of farm home management and poultry courses after 30 June.

Would the Minister agree that, in view of the tremendous impact of agriculture on our economy, the Munster Institute would be a fit and proper place to develop another agricultural training college?

That appears to be repetition.

From what I am aware, there are sufficient places available in the Cork area to run all the courses which one could practically think of in the future. For the reason that there was over-capacity, particularly for the courses held in the Munster Institute, the decision has been taken.

12.