Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Research and Development Projects.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

123 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount allocated by his Department towards scientific research and development projects and facilities at third level institutions throughout the State for every year since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15809/03]

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

In 1999, a dedicated research funding programme – the programme for research in third level institutions, PRTLI, was established by the Minister for Education and Science. Since then, the amount allocated by my Department has been as follows:

Year	Capital	Current	Total
1999	Nil	€8,888,888	€8,888,888
2000	€21,508,995	€17,100,000	€38,608,995
2001	€23,729,599	€22,146,000	€45,875,599
2002	€22,999,958	€20,213,000	€43,212,958

The PRTLI provision in relation to 2003 is €7.5 million capital and €16 million current funding. Prior to 1999, the cost of research funding was met from within the Higher Education Authority, HEA, block grant, which is issued by me Department to the HEA, and is designed to meet the costs of teaching and research. FORFÁS estimates that 25% of the block grant is related to research. Notwithstanding the PRTLI, this continues to be a source of research funding for third level institutions.