asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the determination of national research strategies is, from the economic point of view, urgently required.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Research Strategies.
25.
The Deputy will be aware of my reply to a similar question from him on 5th July of last year, that the Government accepts that the national scientific and technological effort, including research and development activity, has a major contribution to make to economic growth and development. The recent shortfall in availability of, and related price increases in, energy supplies serves only to emphasise further the necessity for a policy of economic growth which is firmly based on the most efficient use of national resources. This postulates a planned strategy for the optimum utilisation of scientific and technological resources and the Government is taking the necessary steps in this regard.
Could the Minister say what steps have been taken since I raised this matter a year ago?
I am very hopeful that in the not too distant future we will be establishing a statutory body to supervise this highly important area but, in the meantime, the various Departments concerned in science and technology and the greater and more efficient use of our national resources are treating the matter as one of top priority.
Would the Minister state whether his Government have reversed a decision of the previous Government to locate a fisheries research station off the coast of Galway?
That is a separate question.
Is the Minister saying he does not know whether the decision was made or not?
It is a separate question.
The Chair has ruled.
It is a disgraceful decision.