Vol. 415 No. 4
123 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if there is a contradiction between Eolas dealing with the EC on research matters and at the same time tendering for research work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Eolas, the Irish Science and Technology Agency, promote the involvement of Irish researchers in EC science and technology programmes. The agency represent Irish research interests on many of the EC management research committees. In this context, Eolas received only 2 per cent of the total funds of £57 million approximately allocated to Ireland under the EC second framework programme, 1987-91. I recognise that there may be potential for conflict of interest between Eolas and other research interests in this area, and accordingly I am reviewing the arrangements to see if such a potential conflict can be avoided.
