asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, before he presents legislation for the establishment of a permanent institute of industrial research, he will consult the presidents of the constituent colleges of the National University of Ireland and the Provost of Trinity College, Dublin, with a view to ascertaining what contribution to industrial research their science faculties can make and what endowments would be requisite to permit of their potenitalities to this end being fully exploited.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Institute of Industrial Research.
I shall be glad to give consideration to any views on the proposed Bill for the establishment of a permanent institute of industrial research which the presidents of the constituent colleges of the National University of Ireland and the Provost of Trinity College, Dublin, may wish to have considered.
Yes, but would the Minister be good enough to answer my question? My question inquires whether the Minister, before he presents legislation for the establishment of a permanent institute of industrial research, will consult the presidents of the constituent colleges of the National University of Ireland and the Provost of Trinity College, Dublin, with a view to ascertaining what contribution to industrial research their science faculties can make and what endowments would be requisite to permit of their potentialities to this end being fully exploited. Will the Minister consult these gentlemen and ask their opinion on those express topics?
I do not think I can add anything to the reply I have given to the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware that he has not replied to my question at all? He said that he would be glad to have their views, but that is not an answer to my question. I want the Minister to ask them what are the potentialities of their research departments before he embarks on the establishment of a new institute. Will he do that?
I do not propose to do other than I have indicated.
You will not ask them because you want to destroy the universities.
The Deputy should address the Chair, or address the Minister through the Chair.
I am sorry, Sir, but no attempt has been made to answer my question. The universities are now to be assassinated.
The Deputy should not make a speech in asking a supplementary question.