asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the 1981 annual report of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards that the lack of funding for research studies on utilisation is the major constraint in ensuring the optimum exploitation of Irish timber; and, if so, the action he proposes to take to correct this position.
Written Answers. - Timber Research Studies.
408.
Mr. Leonard
I have seen the report referred to. While it is true that in 1981 the level of financial assistance from the Forestry Vote to the IIRS for timber technology research had to be severely restricted, I am glad to say that in 1982 —and again this year — the subvention provided for the purpose is such as to permit a fairly substantial research programme to be undertaken by the institute on behalf of my Department.