Vol. 420 No. 1
4 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for the Marine whether the Marine Research Institute have shown up an agenda of priority areas to be researched; if the focus will be on the development of the fishing industry or conservation and protection of threatened species; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I expect the institute to bring forward proposals for the future scope and direction of marine research at a fairly early stage following establishment. I would point out to the Deputy, however, that current priority areas for marine research and development have been identified and agreed under the marine measures of Ireland's STRIDE operational programme. A significant level of funding is now being directed into key marine research facilities around the country which will underpin those priorities.
The objective of the investment programme is to strengthen the national marine research capability in order to develop, but also to conserve and protect, the fisheries and other marine resources. The resultant improvement in our marine research infrastructure will provide a solid basis for the work of the institute in co-ordinating, and advising on, future marine research priorities.
Will the Minister give an indication as to when the first research will come on stream and how that information will be disseminated to the interest groups most in need of it? In that regard — and because of the low level of research here — will the institute establish, or have they established, a link with European research?
These links exist through the Fisheries Research Council and the institute will bring together the activities and work of the various bodies involved. A considerable amount of work is also done by universities in Ireland under the STRIDE programme, under the aegis of my Department's operational programme. The purpose of the institute initially will be to co-ordinate these activities and try to maximise their output. They will also carry out direct research where it will be most beneficial subsequently.
With regard to the coordination being undertaken immediately by the institute, will the Minister be able to publish what areas are coordinated and on what they are focusing so that interested groups, including legislators, may address them?
I agree with the Deputy. One of the functions will be to make what is happening as clear and transparent as possible. We must also improve the direction of the research and its value to the country generally.
