Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 5

Written Answers. - Higher Education Grants.

Willie Penrose

Question:

223 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the concern being expressed by a number of bodies in relation to the postponements and cancellations of the basic research grants scheme through the underfunding of the Irish Research Council for Science and Technology; if his attention has further been drawn to the impact of such a reduction on the annual budget for the council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26633/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

The 2003 budgets for each of the research areas funded by my Department have not yet been determined or notified to the agencies.

The overall provision for research has increased from a Revised Estimates volume figure of €41.139 million in 2002 to €48.870 million in 2003. This increase reflects my commitment to maintaining the progress being made to engender the requisite skills in third level to develop a knowledge based society.

The costs of the scheme administered by the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology will be met from this overall provision, along with other current research costs associated with programmes administered by the Higher Education Authority, the institutes of technology, HEAnet and the Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences. As part of the process of determining the allocations for 2003, officials of my Department have met with a number of these agencies, including the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology. Following the consultation process budgets will be finalised and notified to the agencies.