asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will furnish particulars of the expenditure incurred during each of the years 1934-35 and 1935-36 for the purpose of research concerning improved methods of production or operation in (a) industries established and (b) industries likely to be established in the Saorstát; the extent of the research work carried out, the Industries investigated, and whether reports relating to such research will be made available to the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Research Work.
The expenditure incurred for the purpose of research concerning improved methods of production, or operation, in industries established and industries likely to be established in the Saorstát during the years 1934-35 and 1935-36 was £587 7s. 9d. and £1,073 1s. 6d. respectively. The researches cannot readily be divided into two groups relating to industries established and industries likely to be established. Some investigations relate to both groups, and others, which at the outset might be regarded as belonging to one group, are liable on development to fall more properly into the other or, possibly, into both groups. The Industrial Research Council's reports for 1934-35 and 1935-36 provide information on the nature and extent of the council's activities. Any results of practical commercial application arising out of the work of the Industrial Research Council will be made available to Irish industry.