asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline the purposes for which an increased allocation was contained in the 1989 Estimates for the Science and Technology Development Programme; and the progress made in the course of 1989 in relation to that programme.
Written Answers. - Science and Technology Development Programme.
15.
The objective of the science and technology development programme is to develop Ireland's technological base and to transfer new technology to industry. The programme received an increased allocation in 1989 to cater for the expansion of existing programmes and to allow a number of new initiatives to be developed. The increases concerned, in many instances, were in line with the recommendations of independent institutions which have called for increased resource allocation in this area. These institutions include NESC, the OECD and the CII.
In 1989, the following schemes were either initiated or expanded on foot of the increased budgetary allocation: 1. The establishment of centres of excellence in biotechnology, advanced manufacturing technology (AMT), and Optoelectronics; 2. A pilot project to investigate a commercially viable method of treating pig slurry in the Lough Sheelin region; 3. A programme to upgrade the facilities for the mouldmaking industry at Sligo RTC; 4. The higher education industry linkages programme which develops closer linkages between industry, the universities and the RTCs, by funding joint collaborative projects and by subsidising the placement of technically qualified graduates in indigenous companies; 5. The technology audit programme to assess the technical capabilities and limitations of small and medium size companies and advise on their improvement. The cost of these audits is being subventive by the S & T development programme in order to make them available to a wider range of companies; 6. The technology development programme for the south-east region (SERTEC).
The expansion of the science and technology development programme in 1989 considerably increased the level of technical assistance available to industry. It also provided opportunities for many of our highly skilled graduates to remain in Ireland, applying their skills to the needs of Irish companies.