Gerry O'Sullivan
Ceist:44 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine whether he has satisfied himself that sufficient funding is available to carry out the necessary research at Abbotstown Research Centre, County Dublin.
Written Answers. - Marine Research and Development.
Yes. In that context I would like to refer the Deputy to Subhead C of my Department's Vote for 1992. This subhead covers Marine Research and Development conducted at my Department's Fisheries Research Centre at Abbotstown, County Dublin and the Deputy will note the provision of £2.4 million for 1992 which represents an increase of 140 per cent over 1991 expenditure in this area. In addition to this sum, salary and overhead costs for the Fisheries Research Centre are met direct from my Department's administration budget.
The increase reflects the funding provision this year for my Department's measures under the marine sub programme of the STRIDE (Science and Technology for Regional Innovation and Development in Europe) Operational Programme for Ireland. The expenditure is being 75 per cent funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
The STRIDE Programme for Ireland gives particular, and very welcome, recognition to marine research and development and will allow for a total investment of £8 million in the area over the next two years. The agreement of the EC to co-finance marine investment under the programme is a recognition of the development potential as well as the acknowledged need to apply additional resources to secure and develop that potential. The planned total investment under the marine sub programme of STRIDE addresses the need to build up national capability in marine science and technology which will underpin further development in the sector including the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
I am personally committed to strengthening the marine research capacities of the State. As an earnest of this commitment the Deputy will be aware that I have now brought into being the Marine Institute which will focus all the efforts of the State to ensure that maximum economic and social benefits derive from expenditure in this area.