In response to a question put to him in the Dáil by Deputy Michael P Kitt, the Minister confirmed that the requirement for becoming a GLAS advisor is a HETAC Level 8 Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Science and Land Management. Moreover he or she must have taken soil science and an animal or crop production subject to a level 8 degree standard.

This requirement means that students graduating from the BSc in Agriculture and Environment Management with the add-on BSc in Rural Enterprise and Environment course in Mountbellew Agricultural College, Co Galway will not be eligible to become advisors as some of the core subjects of soil science and animal and crop production were assessed only as part of the level 7 degree.

The Minister said an independent officer carried out a review of an appeal from Mountbellew College concerning the failure of the course to meet requirements and found that the course still did not meet the standard of educational qualifications required for the role.

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Coveney said, “In determining the level of educational qualifications required to be a GLAS advisor, my Department must ensure that such qualifications are of an appropriate standard to meet the objectives and the requirements of the various schemes.

“Advisors must be qualified to interpret soil tests, understand the requirements of all schemes and understand constraints of land management imposed by various land designations. Furthermore, advisors must be in a position to translate this knowledge into detailed management plans and also advice for farmers not only on the schemes requirements but also on their farm operations.”