Teagasc’s plan to recruit 20 new Green Certificate teachers is set to provide between 800 and 1,000 extra places on courses.

Following approval from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the semi-state advisory and education body has been cleared to recruit the teachers on two year contracts.

The extra places will be made available on part-time and distance education Green Cert options, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said.

Northeast and northwest

The Minister said it was his understanding that 15 of the temporary teachers will be assigned to the northwest and northeast of the country. In response to a question from Sinn Féin’s Pauline Tully, he said the demand was most acute in these areas.

“All of the posts are self-financing, with fee income from the additional enrolments covering salary and related costs,” he said.

An additional three permanent teachers have also been appointed to the northeast and northwest catchment, to help cater for growing demand.

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