asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is satisfied that adequate scientific and technological assistance is available to Irish industry, with particular reference to small industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Assistance to Irish Industry.
30.
I am satisfied that, within the resources available, adequate scientific and technological assistance is available to Irish industry.
There have been three strategic moves in relation to this matter. The Office of Science and Technology was established in March 1987. Secondly a special science and technology development programme budget, which in the current year is over £12 million, has been created. Thirdly the Science and Technology Act, 1987, provided for the merger of the two main State bodies dealing with this area — the IIRS and the NBST. The objective of the merger was to ensure the most coherent provision of services to industry.
The science and technology development programmes contain a number of new initiatives of particular relevance to small industry. Many of these follow the recommendations of the 1987 OECD report on innovation policy in Ireland. They include a placement scheme for science and engineering graduates in small companies and a technology audit service to small and medium sized companies. These programmes, in conjunction with the technical assistance provided by Eolas, the product development and training grants available through the IDA, and the increased availability of services from the private sector and from the third level education sector, provide a significant source of scientific and technological services to industry.