asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the nature of Ireland's participation in the FAST programme of the EC, which is concerned with forecasting technological development; and the implications of the work done in this programme for industrial, economic and social expenditure in Ireland.
Written Answers. - EC FAST Programme.
96.
As the Deputy is aware, the FAST programme of the EC identifies long term priorities for joint research and development and examines their possible effects on society and the economy. The FAST programme, therefore, takes a broad overview of Community science and technology policy and forecasts new directions and priorities for the future.
Ireland, as a member of the Community, through the usual fora at Commission and Council levels, has contributed to the definition of the successive stages of the FAST programme since its launch in 1978. Under the current four year programme for the years 1984-1987, Ireland has participated actively in the FAST programme through:
(1) representation on the advisory committee for programme management;
(2) contributions to and organisation of expert meetings, workshops, seminars and conferences which are an integral part of programme activities;
(3) carrying out contract research under different elements of the programme.
Ireland's interaction with the FAST programme is co-ordinated through the National Board for Science and Technology who act as the Irish national member of the 12+ 1 FAST network which comprises the 12 member states and the FAST team of the EC Commission.
The implications of the work done in the FAST programme for 1984-87 is currently being assessed in the various FAST committees, sub-committees and in the European Commission. The NBST will, in due course, co-ordinate the assessment of the implications for Ireland of the programme results at national level.