Written Answers. - Colleges of Higher Education.
Alan M. Dukes
Question:
10
Mr. Dukes
asked the
Minister for Education
if it is proposed to increase the level of state involvement and investment in the research and development facilities in the higher colleges of education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Patrick D. Harte
Question:
27
Mr. Harte
asked the
Minister for Education
if it is proposed to increase the level of State involvement and investment in the research and development facilities in the higher colleges of education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Jim Higgins
Question:
65
Mr. J. Higgins
asked the
Minister for Education
if it is proposed to increase the level of State involvement and investment in the research and development facilities in the higher colleges of education; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Avril Doyle
Question:
76
Mrs. Doyle
asked the
Minister for Education
if it is proposed to increase the level of State involvement and investment in the research and development facilities in the higher colleges of education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 27, 65 and 76 together.
At present Department of Education funding for research in universities is not distinguished from funding provided for teaching and in effect is linked to the number of students in the particular institution. Targeted funding for research projects is made through the Office of Science and Technology of the Department of Enterprise and Employment.
The provision of additional resources for research and development is being addressed by the Department in the context of the forthcoming National Development Plan and Structural Fund Programme for the Higher Education Sector. No decision has yet been made regarding the total sum to be invested. However, I am confident that we will secure further increased investment for research and development facilities at third level. As the Deputy will be aware a substantial programme of investment of research and development facilities is nearing completion under the current National Development Plan.
The present capital programme for the Higher Education Sector includes the provision of major improvements in research and development facilities at Dublin City University, St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, University College, Cork, University College, Dublin, University College, Galway, University of Limerick and Trinity College, Dublin.
There are also a number of significant developments in this context in the Dublin Institute of Technology and in a number of regional technical colleges, e.g. Waterford, Tallaght, Cork.
Examples of the areas included in my Department's programme are:
—the Food Science, Aquaculture and Microelectronics facilities in University College Cork;
—the Science and Technology Centre in Maynooth;
—the Science and Technology facilities in Dublin City University.
My Department is currently in close consultation with the Universities and Technological Colleges to identify future needs in order to facilitate a comprehensive plan for State support, assisted from the structural funds, for research and development facilities in the medium term.
