Vol. 449 No. 2
28 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the reason the proposals for science policy are being prepared by a non-statutory committee and not by the semi-State body established by law for this purpose; the reasons he is not giving effect to the relevant legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3393/95]
Previous national reviews of science and technology were carried out by the OECD on our behalf. When considering the present review, different possibilities were examined, including: using the OECD again; doing it within the Department; employing outside consultants; or, establishing an independent group of experts from Irish industry, the third level and State sectors.
The Government decided in October 1993 to select the last option and STIAC was established in February 1994. Its terms of reference were to undertake a fundamental review of the policies, objectives, structures and components of the science and technology system in Ireland and to make recommendations about changes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the national science and technology system in contributing to national economic development.
It is not unusual to appoint non-statutory groups to review policy issues, the advantage being to have independent expert input and a strategic overview of policy, detached from the day-to-day functions of statutory agencies. Such an arrangement complements and supports the advice available from Departments and executive agencies. The Culliton report, for example, resulted from a similar exercise.
Forfás — the statutory agency charged with the development of industry and technology in the State — made a detailed submission to STIAC and also provided back-up support to the council.
