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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Jul 1972

Vol. 262 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Scientific Research Programme.

22.

asked the Minister for Finance on what criterion money is advanced to eight new scientific projects; and whether, in view of this country's prospective position as the EEC member which spends least on scientific research, consideration has been given to the expansion of a programme of scientific research concentrating on specific areas capable of development and utilising home resources.

I presume that the Deputy is referring to the recent announcement concerning new scientific projects being sponsored under the university research grants scheme administered by the National Science Council.

When examining applications received under this scheme the National Science Council are guided by the following criteria: (a) a project must have scientific or technical merit; (b) it must measure up to reputable international standards and is in fact assessed in this regard by experts outside this country; (c) the competence of the applicant; (d) potential economic or social benefits to the community; (e) potential for greater involvement of the higher education sector in industrial and community problems; (f) potential for encouragement of interdisciplinary or inter-institutional activity; (g) possibilities for encouragement of "centres of excellence".

With regard to the Deputy's reference to the comparatively low level of our gross expenditure on research and development as a proportion of gross national product, the point must be made that the Government share of this expenditure compares favourably with the level in other countries.

A national science policy leading to a national programme for science and technology is being formulated by the National Science Council with particular reference to priority areas, which can be expected to include natural resource-based industries. To facilitate the implementation of such a policy the establishment of a statutory body is under consideration by the Government and it is hoped that a decision in this regard can be taken shortly.

Has the Minister any information about the nature of the statutory body? Who will compose it?

It arises out of a report by the National Science Council. One of the recommendations is the establishment of a statutory body. The question of how it will be made up does not arise as yet. The first question is the decision on the principle of the recommendation.

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