Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 3

Written Answers. - Research Funding.

Michael Creed

Question:

34 Mr. Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps, if any, she will take to ensure that the various Departments and State agencies that provide funding for science and technology research are properly co-ordinated. [12044/98]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

77 Mr. O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will resolve the difficulties being encountered by Irish postgraduate students with one scheme operated by the her Department (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12043/98]

Michael Creed

Question:

100 Mr. Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will restore adequate funding to the National Research Support Board for the basic research programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12045/98]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

111 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans, if any, he has to reinstate the funding for the basic research programme managed by the National Research Support Board in Dublin City University in view of the Government policy in relation to the need to integrate research into mainstream job creation. [11854/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Treacy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 77, 100, and 111 together.

I assure Deputies that this Government is fully committed to continue funding for research activities.

In relation to the funding position for the National Research Support Fund Board which is attached to my responsibilities in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the position is that the allocation to this board has increased from £7.5 million to £8.5 million over the period 1996 to 1998, which represents an increase of 17 per cent. Out of this amount, an allocation of around £2 million per annum has been allocated for basic research, over the same period.

Deputies are no doubt aware that in 1998, for the first time, this Government has provided substantial dedicated funding for research and development, through the Department of Education and Science. This new allocation of £5 million has been included in the 1998 Estimate, for the Department of Education and Science for recurrent funding of research and development projects.

My appointment in the two Departments ensures that there is effective co-ordination of science and technology issues and there is also ongoing contact at official level. In addition the inter-departmental committee on science, technology and innovation, chaired by me, which was established pursuant to the White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation, provides an effective mechanism for consideration of science and technology priorities, between all of the Departments, involved in funding science and technology. A permanent independent advisory body, The Irish Council for Science, Technology and Innovation, which was also recommended in the White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation has been set up and this has proved to be a very valuable source of advice, on a range of issues. In addition Forfás has played a major role in the provision of policy advice and co-ordination, as well as promoting science and technology, for economic and social development.

These co-ordination mechanisms 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.

This allocation, is additional to previous research and development allocations and does not imply any reduction in existing expenditure. It is envisaged that the funding will be available for research and development in science and technology, the humanities and the social sciences. The Higher Education Authority has been asked to develop proposals for this expenditure and building on this process, I will shortly make a detailed announcement, on the mechanisms, that have been put in place, for the expenditure on science and technology.

I am aware of the demand for further funding for new projects, in the basic research area and have received a number of representations on this issue. In this regard, therefore, I will allocate £0.5 million this year, from this sum of £5 million for new basic research projects. The mechanism for this extra funding will be through the Higher Education Authority process.

In relation to the question of overall co-ordination regarding the allocation of research funds, I am satisfied with the mechanisms in place to ensure that funds are disbursed effectively.