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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 6

Written Answers. - Basic Science Programme.

Nora Owen

Question:

174 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will allocate resources to support new project starts in the basic science programme during 1998 in view of the decision to abort or at least postpone the basic science competition; and when she will reinstate this competition in view of the fact that Irish researchers have expended great time and resources, approximately £670,000, to produce proposals for this competition. [9475/98]

Nora Owen

Question:

176 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the success of the basic research programme administered through her Department. [9477/98]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 176 together.

The Operational Programme for Industry provides for funding of basic research under measure 4 of the R&D sub-programme. The schemes under measure 4 are administered by Forbairt and overseen by the National Research Support Fund Board, an independent board which is made up of representatives of industry, academia, State agencies and the Office of Science and Technology of our Department and the Department of Education and Science.

I am satisfied that the measure 4 arrangements have worked well. In particular, the findings of an independent, external evaluation of the basic research programme carried out recently have been very positive. They point to benefits which include the role of basic research in supporting industry, both directly and indirectly. The White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation stressed the need to develop an effective national system of innovation which includes the universities and institutes of technology, the State research institutes, the industrial agencies and the private sector. There are no plans to exclude basic research, which is an element of our co-ordinated and cohesive system of science, technology and innovation designed to strengthen our economic and social well-being.
The co-ordination mechanisms, announced in the White Paper, and which have been put in place via the Office of Science and Technology, Forfás, the Irish Council for Science, Technology and Innovation are designed to ensure that we continue to strengthen our research base, both to promote the development of indigenous industry and to help increase the level of R&D activity in foreign owned firms located here.
As indicated in reply to separate questions from the Deputy, I have no intention of undermining what is now seen as a very successful system for exploiting the expertise resident in the Irish science, technology and innovation system. Regarding the basic science scheme, adequate funding will be provided in 1998. Two million pounds has already been allocated to the scheme to cover carry over commitments from last year and the Deputy will no doubt be aware that the Government has provided an additional £5 million in 1998 to support research. I can confirm that the Higher Education Authority is currently working on proposals which aim to optimise investment of this money in the broad area of research which will include science and technology as well as the social sciences and the humanities.
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