Trevor Sargent
Question:210 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will fund properly the Irish Research Council for Science and Technology. [10456/03]
Written Answers. - Research Funding.
The Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology was established by the Government in June 2001, with the responsibility of promoting excellence in research in the three broad disciplines of science, engineering and technology. The emphasis is on innovative and original research, which is aimed at generating knowledge.
In 2002, 219 postgraduate scholarships were made, which involves expenditure of €10.9 million up to 2005. A further 58 basic research grants were awarded by the council, which will involve expenditure of €7.9 million up to 2005. The council also launched a post-doctoral fellowship scheme in November 2002, and awards under this scheme will be announced in 2003. The total expenditure under the council in 2002 was €4.486 million. Its allocation for 2003 provides for a significant increase in expenditure, to €10.5 million.
Within the available resources, my Department will continue to support the work of the council as it seeks to generate new knowledge in the areas of science, engineering and technology.