Vol. 556 No. 3
120 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Education and Science to establish an Oireachtas committee to deal with science, technology and innovation will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16413/02]
I thank the Joint Committee on Education and Science for its comprehensive and constructive report on science and technology, which included a recommendation that the Government should establish a specific Oireachtas committee to deal with all aspects of science and technology. Responsibility for establishing such committees is a matter for the Oireachtas itself. The Deputy may wish to note that in March 2002 the Government asked the Irish Council for Science, Technology and Innovation to establish a high-level commission to develop an overarching framework for national policy in research and technological development. As part of its terms of reference, the commission will look at the current situation in Ireland relating to the structures, policies and implementation mechanisms for research and technological development that underpin innovation for economic and social development.
The commission is expected to submit its proposals to me, for the consideration of the Government, by the end of the year and I believe that the final report of the commission will be of assistance to the Oireachtas when deciding whether to establish a science and technology committee. The Deputy may also wish to note that, under the science, technology and innovation awareness programme managed by Forfás on behalf of the Office of Science and Technology, I will shortly launch a new initiative called Friends of Science. The intention is to establish an informal cross-Oireachtas group of Members who have a background or an interest in science, technology and engineering and who will become advocates of science.
Question No. 121 answered with Question No. 72.
