asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps he has taken to form a marine science committee.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marine Science Committee.
5.
There is already in existence a marine science advisory committee. The work of this committee made a large contribution to the programme for marine science and technology in Ireland contained in the National Science Council report "Ireland, science and the sea" which in turn formed the basis for the OECD review of marine science and technology in Ireland.
It is possible that the Deputy has in mind the recommendation in the report "Ireland, science and the sea" that a marine science committee should be established. The establishment of such a committee will be a matter for the National Board for Science and Technology to be set up shortly.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary tell the House whether there is any intention of having this committee set up in view of the fact that it is so important to have some movement in relation to marine research?
The marine science advisory committee is composed of most of the people concerned with this. Much of the work which will be done by the committee referred to by the Deputy is being done already by the advisory committee. When we have the National Board for Science and Technology it would be advisable to have a statutory committee under that statutory authority.
The National Science Council have recommended that the setting up of this committee should have a priority. Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that it is time we had a positive movement in this direction?
An advisory committee exists which is dealing with most of the problems referred to. The setting up of a committee such as that recommended would be most appropriate under the aegis of the National Board for Science and Technology, and that will be set up shortly.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary like to say why it took from 13th December, 1974, when his Minister assumed responsibility for science and technology and all its aspects, until now to set up this board? What does he mean when he says it will be set up "shortly"?
Obviously if I could give precise information I would. When I used the word "shortly" it has the normal meaning. If the Deputy wants to put down a question about the process whereby the National Board for Science and Technology is being set up, he may do so. That is a separate question.