The closing date for applying for Teagasc courses is June 5th this year. Application forms are available from any of the colleges or Teagasc offices. "There are no minimum educational requirements," says Dr David O'Connor, Teagasc's head of education, "but we strongly advise students to complete the Leaving Cert. The only limitation is that we do not accept students who are under 17 years of age. Again, this is to encourage people to complete the Leaving Cert."

A variety of selection procedures are used for the different courses. These range from written tests to interviews to riding tests.

Fees at Teagasc agriculture and horticulture colleges are about £2,500 for residential courses (including the cost of meals and accommodation) and £700 non-residential (including the cost of meals). There is no fee for the horticulture course in the National Botanic Gardens. Non-means-tested Teagasc grants of about 75 per cent of the fees are available for people have obtained a place in the colleges and who are otherwise eligible.