asked the Minister for the Economic Planning and Development if the report of the National Board for Science and Technology on energy conservation in agriculture is to be published, and if not, why.
Written Answers. - Energy Conservation.
129.
The report to which the Deputy refers was commissioned by the NBST and was received from An Foras Talúntais (AFT) in July 1979. The report was in fact a scoping study which is seen as purely an aid to the development and formulation of a national programme of S & T on energy. The relevant research institutes and other State-sponsored bodies and agencies in energy related fields were involved in this exercise.
This AFT scoping study has formed the basis for their proposed 1980 programme of work on energy related R & D and demonstration projects. While it is not intended to publish this report as such, its main features will be included in the Science Budget 1980 which will be presented to the Dáil early next year.