asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any assistance from central funds will be made available to encourage research into the development of battery or gas operated vehicles, with a view to cutting down on the use of petrol; and if there are any proposals in this regard under consideration at present.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Energy Conservation.
15.
I expect that, as a result of studies at present under way in Government Departments and State bodies on the broad question of energy research and development and its implications in the present energy situation, money from central funds will be made available for research into different forms of energy conservation. Research and development in such a highly sophisticated field as vehicle motors would call for resources of expertise equipment and funds beyond what this country could afford for a single project. Effective development of new engines systems is much more likely to be achieved by a country or countries with engine-manufacturing industries with the necessary resources. However, if specific projects of merit and reasonable promise are forthcoming here, they will certainly be eligible for State assistance.
Has the Minister any machinery at his disposal whereby he can monitor development in this field and, with goodwill or otherwise, participate in the fruits of research carried out by others?
Of course, the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards have intimate contact with Irish industry. There is now the development of a National Council of Science and Technology with a science budget and with a staff who are concerned to find the areas of interest. The only proviso I tried to indicate in the reply is that we cannot gallop after every hare. We cannot get into areas where we could spend millions of pounds on something which might come right or might not. We have to be prudent in a small country.
I gather from the Minister's reply that research into these areas is much too expensive for us to undertake. The Minister dismissed the matter at that. I am asking him if he is doing anything to try to monitor research by other countries who can afford it.
When the Deputy used the word "monitor" I took it that he was referring to research in Ireland. With regard to monitoring research in other countries, there is a continuing surveillance mechanism of international research and an elaborate and excellent information service run by the IIRS of a very high standard.