Vol. 474 No. 6
121 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health the current policy, if any, which provides for a separate educational fund which could be used for postgraduate type research projects through each health board area; and if he will make a statement on the usefulness of such a fund, in view of the importance of regional research for advances in local health issues. [3790/97]
Limerick East): The health research board is the statutory body with responsibility for health research in Ireland. The board's primary function is to promote, assist, commission or conduct medical, health and health services research. In addition, the board assists and supports other health agencies including health boards and co-operates with other research bodies in promoting or conducting such research in Ireland. The health research board is the primary vehicle for health research funding from my Department. The board provides grants for, among other things, post graduate research projects. The board considers all applications for funding and selects projects on a competitive basis subject to the board's peer review process whereby experts in the field assess the merits of each individual project. Any person or body seeking funds to enable research to be undertaken should submit a proposal to the board.
