asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he proposes to implement the decision that a White Paper on Science and Technology be published which was contained in the Review of Industrial Performance, 1986 published by the previous Government; and if so, when he expects it to be published.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Review of Industrial Performance, 1986.
26.
The answer to the first part of the question is "yes". I intend that the White Paper be published later this year but at this stage I am not yet in a position to indicate with precision the expected date of publication.
What is the progress in regard to the White Paper at present? Is a draft in existence? If it is, has it been circulated to other Departments? Has it been circulated to the relevant State agencies? Will a draft of this White Paper be available for discussion with outside interests before it is submitted to Cabinet?
The draft is not available just yet. A report was considered by the NESC but it was couched in scientific and technical language. To have an impact not only on the wider public but on the administrative staff in the Department of Finance, this report has to be written in plain and simple language and we are in course of getting this done. We are giving a very high priority to developing a scientific and technical strategy as well as appraising our scientific infrastructure. The contents of the report will be reflected in the White Paper.
Is the Minister saying this report has to be translated into children's simple language in order that it may be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration?
As the Deputy is aware from his experience as Minister, many of these reports are couched in very scientific and technical language and it would be very beneficial to the public if these reports were written in plain English, not necessarily children's English.
Apart from the language in the report, has the Minister decided on the policy decisions contained in the White Paper or has he yet got to the point of making the necessary decisions?
We are working at breakneck speed trying to set out a scientific and technical strategy and infrastructure. In the very near future we will be able to demonstrate that we are seriously following this line and the appraisal will be incorporated in the White Paper which will be published before the end of the year.