asked the Minister for Finance if he proposes any changes in the emphasis of scientific, technological and information policy between agricultural and industrial sectors in relation to the national requirements.
107.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Science and Technology Policy.
106.
asked the Minister for Finance if there is any proposal to set up a decision-making body in the form of a committee of the Cabinet on science and technology.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 106 and 107 together.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the whole area of scientific and technological policy, including policy for scientific and technical information, is at present under review. With the coming to an end in the near future of the term of office, already twice extended, of the National Science Council and with the progressively increasing importance, accepted in all developed countries, of the contribution which science and technology can make to economic and social development, a new framework for elaborating policy is necessary.
A decision in principle has been taken to set up a statutory body for science and technology. Active consideration is being given to its precise role and functions. The implementation of this decision is in train and, with the completion in the near future of the OECD reviews of our policy for science and technology generally and scientific and technical information in particular, the way will be clear for definitive decisions in this connection. With regard to emphasis, I would hope that the new body when set up would think and act rather in terms of an overall national policy than of one constrained by sectoral considerations.
When was the decision to which the Minister referred made?
The effective decision was made by this Government, it being the Government that will have to put it into effect, but no final decision can be made until such time as we have the recommendations of the OECD. They are hopefully expected some time in the summer.
The Minister is not giving a straight answer to a straight question.
The Minister has given an answer to the question put.
The question I asked was when was the decision made. Could the Minister tell us when that decision was made? If he does not know, let him say so.
The decision which will have impact is the decision which I took. The decision I took is to have a statutory body established.
Is the Minister not aware, or has he so slipped up on his homework that he does not know, that the previous Government took and publicly announced a decision in this regard on receipt of the report of the National Science Committee in regard to the setting up of a statutory body such as the Minister refers to?
I am aware of a statement of attitude on the part of the previous Government. The effective decision was taken by and will be implemented by this Government.