asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether any positive results have been achieved by the research into the uses of kelp and seaweed; and, if so, whether he will indicate the nature of such results, the number of persons engaged on such research work, the annual expenditure involved and the period for which it is proposed to continue this work.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Kelp and Seaweed.
In their annual reports for the years 1934 to 1946, which are available in the Oireachtas Library, the former Industrial Research Council gave summaries of results obtained from a programme of research in regard to kelp and seaweed for which they gave financial assistance to University College, Galway. The research showed that kelp and seaweed could be used for a number of purposes, including the production of size, starch substitute, board, iodine, agaragar and cattle food. When the Industrial Research Council was wound up the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards continued financial assistance for the programme to its conclusion on 31st March, 1947. The institute has not yet published any statement of the results. During the period when the financial assistance was given for the research three chemists were employed directly on the work and the average annual grant made was about £700.
Has the Minister any idea when we will be able to get this report?
I shall take the matter up with the institute.
Will the Minister say if at one time it was decided to incorporate seaweed in a ration for stock feeding and, if so, when was that decision rescinded?
I understand the whole matter, including the use of seaweed for cattle feeding, was inquired into. I presume that will be covered in the report which we expect to get.
Are any of those processes being carried out at present by way of manufacture?
I could not answer that at the moment.