asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the support the Government is giving for research in the area of biotechnology in Ireland since it is recognised by international experts that our potential in biotechnology, which involves medicine, energy from biomass, food processing, chemicals and mineral processing, is considerable in view of the investment made by foreign firms and our natural agricultural advantages.
Written Answers. - Biotechnology Research.
178.
In 1983 grants administered by the National Board for Science and Technology (NBST) of approximately £200,000 are being allocated to Irish researchers working in biotechnology. An additional £200,000 is also being made available from the IDA and the NBST as part of their co-operative research and development grants scheme. This money will go into projects where industry and the higher education sector combine resources in the effort to develop new products and processes in this field. In addition the IDA paid £534,000 in grants to companies engaged in biotechnology in the pharmaceutical and food processing sectors during 1983; £114,000 of this related specifically to research and development.
A special unit has been established within the National Board for Science and Technology which has as its immediate priority the promotion of biotechnology in the production of agriculture based products. Seven biotechnologists of varying backgrounds staff this unit. Research work is also being undertaken by the Medical Research Council and An Foras Talúntais in their relevant areas.