Teagasc has confirmed that it is to fund a Covid payment to its students and provide a laptop loan scheme.
Similar supports were introduced for third level students in other education institutions as part of a government initiative in Budget 2021 in October.
Teagasc said it will now provide in the region of €200,000 to fund the combined cost of a Covid payment to Teagasc learners and a ‘Teagasc Laptop Assistance Scheme’.
Head of Education in Teagasc, Tony Pettit, said: “Teagasc full-time Level 5 and 6 learners have to adjust to the impact of Covid on their education in a manner no different to learners in the wider further and higher education sectors.
This new initiative will now give agriculture, horticulture, equine and forestry students in Teagasc the opportunity to avail of comparable supports to students in other third-level education.
“This payment is in recognition of the impact of the Covid pandemic on third-level learners. It is also intended to support full-time learners in transitioning to online learning environments,” Pettit added.
The Teagasc initiative was welcomed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue, who commented: “My department has been working closely with Teagasc since October to set up this new initiative.
“Our agriculture students are the future generation of Irish farmers and they will be the lifeblood of the farming sector in the future. The adoption of digital technology is continuing at a pace in Irish agriculture and I am committed to ensuring Teagasc learners are best equipped to embrace this digital transformation,” said Minister McConalogue.
Teagasc Prof. Gerry Boyle added: “This has been a very significant issue for Teagasc over recent months and Teagasc has been keen to prioritise funding to helping our learners cope with the disruption to the normal education experience.”
Teagasc said it will make the necessary arrangements for full-time learners who are eligible for a Covid payment. Full-time learners interested in availing of the Teagasc laptop loan scheme should contact their college for details on how to apply.