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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 18 Dec 1990

Vol. 404 No. 1

Written Answers. - Health Research Board.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

189 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to (1) the proposed closure of the Health Research Board laboratories in which six professional people are employed, and the steps he proposes to take to avert this prospect (2) the agreement drawn up with Trinity College, Dublin and the Medical Research Board in the early eighties which guaranteed the future of the staff until their retirement (3) the effective work of this research unit in the areas of research into (a) anti-cancer drugs (b) anti-leprosy drugs which have been used in the Third World (c) anti-hypertension drugs and (d) the examination of virus diseases of the Third World and (4) the damage to Ireland's reputation abroad with other important agencies, if this unit closes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The decision of the health research board concerning their laboratories at Trinity College arises from the board's review of all their research activities. The board are anxious to move away from long term commitments to fixed facilities. The decision regarding closure of the laboratories is entirely a matter for the board and it would not be appropriate for me to intervene.

The board's decision arises from their corporate plan which identified the need for the board to establish a clear and distinctive focus for their activities, including the objective of strengthening their research links internationally in a structured way.

The six staff members affected have been offered the options of either early retirement/voluntary redundancy or redeployment to an appropriate vacancy within the public service. The process of securing appropriate positions for the staff who have so far indicated a preference for redeployment is continuing.

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