asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if he is aware of the statement in the annual report of the ESRI that several proposed research projects of the institute for 1978 may have to be postponed because of lack of project finance; and if he will favourably consider an increased allocation to the ESRI for 1978.
Written Answers. - ESRI Report.
493.
I am aware of the statement referred to by the Deputy. The question of postponing projects arose because the 1977 grant-in-aid fixed by the previous Government fell far short of the sums needed by the institute to meet both rising costs and the funding of new research projects. I am keenly aware of the need to maintain an adequate level of economic and social research. In determining the level of the 1978 grant-in-aid the Government will take into account the proposed research programme of the institute.