asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the action he proposes to take to equip the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards to meet the substantially increased demands on its time and expertise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Institute for Industrial Research and Standards.
16.
The claims of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards for public funds in 1977 are at present being considered in conjunction with other claims for Exchequer support. In deciding on the level of assistance to be provided the demands on the institute's services will, of course, be borne in mind.
Is the Minister aware that from September, 1977, it will be compulsory to have safety frames fitted on most tractors and that they must comply with OECD standards? Has he any proposals to instal testing facilities for those frames at the IIRS or elsewhere?
There was nothing in the Deputy's question to indicate an interest in safety frames on tractors and there is nothing in my brief that relates to it. However, if he cares to put down a question I will find the answer for him.
Is the Minister aware that at the present time if any engineering firm went into this business they would have to send the tractor and the frame to England for a test. That could cost £500 or £600——
I am sorry to interrupt the Deputy but he seems to be raising a distinctly separate matter which is worthy of a separate question. Question No. 16 deals with equipping the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards. There is nothing about tractors in the question.
(Dublin Central): Will the Minister indicate if the personnel in the IIRS are being increased?
My prime responsibility is to see that they have increasing funds. The matter of numbers is an internal matter. I can tell the Deputy that during my period in office the administration grant has increased by 116 per cent and the building grant has increased by 490 per cent. That has been done in times of stringency. Notwithstanding the exigencies of the time, it is our policy to provide the IIRS with sufficient funds to carry on their work. That has been done and it will continue to be done.
Will the Minister look into the matter I mentioned?
Yes.