asked the Minister for Finance how many of the senior staff of the Economic Research Institute, towards which a State grant of £6,500 is paid, are Irish citizens.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Economic Research Institute: Senior Staff.
16.
The provision in this year's Estimates (Vote 6, Subhead D) for a contribution towards expenses of the Economic Research Institute covers two main items: (1) £1,100 to recoup the Institute the rent of 73, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin, a building owned by the State; and (2) an allocation of £5,400 for furniture and equipment. This provision is made pursuant to an undertaking given by the Government to the Ford Foundation to provide suitable accommodation and equipment for the Institute or an equivalent capital sum.
The Institute was established through the generosity of the Ford Foundation, which agreed to make available grants totalling £100,000 to cover the running expenses of the Institute for an initial period of years. The Government have undertaken to provide financial assistance from public funds, if such is necessary, to supplement other income of the Institute when assistance from the Ford Foundation ceases.
The Institute is otherwise independent of the Government and has complete autonomy in staff matters. I have, accordingly, no responsibility for appointments made by the Board of the Institute.
I am aware, however, that the Director and the Secretary are Irish citizens and that the four research officers are not. These four officers were appointed following the normal procedure of advertisements in the public press and were adjudged by the Board of the Institute to be the best qualified applicants. Advertisements have already appeared in the public press inviting applicants for scholarships in the Institute from graduates in Irish Universities. The object is to train young Irish men and women in advanced economic research.