Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Sep 1999

Vol. 508 No. 1

Written Answers. - Research Funding.

Noel Ahern

Question:

850 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Science the resources given by his Department to the research project into retinitis pigmentosa at Trinity College and elsewhere assisted by the Health Research Board; if his attention has been drawn to the level of charity funds given to this project; if his Department's funding is usually fixed as a percentage of the project's cost; and if he will examine the matter with a view to considerably increasing the funding. [17652/99]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

870 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a request for £500,000 funding a year over a three year period by an organisation (details supplied) was rejected by his Department; the other arrangements he has made to support this organisation's research efforts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17791/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 850 and 970 together.

Neither my Department, nor the Higher Education Authority, which is the statutory body responsible for the funding of universities, has received any application for funding in respect of a research project at Trinity College Dublin in association with retinitis pigmentosa, RP Ireland.

Following inquiries made by my officials, I understand that an unsuccessful application for funding was made to the Office of Science and Technology and that the Health Research Board is currently providing grant aid to RP Ireland over a five year period.