I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 75 together.
Specific funding for research is not provided in my Department's current grant aid to third level colleges. However, it is estimated that about 10 per cent of the HEA's current grant to universities is used for research. In addition, funding from the Department of Enterprise and Employment for basic and strategic research increased from £1.5 million in 1994 to over £3.7 million in 1997. My Department and the Department of Enterprise and Employment have also introduced schemes of post-doctoral grants.
Under the National Development Plan 1994-1999 a dedicated amount of £10 million is being provided for the replacement of research and teaching equipment in the universities. This provision is part of an overall £120 million capital investment programme designed primarily for the purpose of supporting the third level sector in areas of research and teaching related to economic growth and job creation.
This £10 million allocation for equipment has already been complemented by a further £2 million of Exchequer funds bringing the total allocation for equipment for the Higher Education Authority sector to £12 million, an average of £2 million per annum over the six year period of the plan. A further £60 million capital investment programme comprising £30 million from the private sector with matching funds from the Exchequer was approved by Government in 1995 with a view to providing additional graduate and postgraduate places in the university sector.
In the circumstances, no arbitrary cutback has been made in the capital provision for teaching and research equipment for the universities in respect of the period 1994-9. While some variations may occur in the annual capital equipment allocations to the Higher Education Authority by my Department is not envisaged that there will be any reduction in the level of equipment to be approved over this period.