Ivor Callely
Ceist:90 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the science and technology budget allocations for 1995; the comparative figures for 1992; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5691/95]
Written Answers. - Science and Technology Budget.
The science and technology budget allocation for 1992 was £27.8 million, all of which was voted expenditure. Although the pilot phase of a new industry research and development initiative was launched during 1992, funding for it only commenced in 1993. The figures for 1995 are £20.7 million and £15.148 million respectively, giving a total of some £35.848 million for this year.
The research and development programme seeks to support the enhancement of competitive advantage in Irish firms through ensuring the appropriate use of technology. It aims to achieve this through a portfolio of infrastructural, financial and skills supports attuned to the expressed and anticipated needs of Irish industry. The programme itself forms an integral part of the new Operational Programme for Industrial Development 1994-1999, and is co-funded by the EU Commission.
In addition, the report of the Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council, which is due for publication shortly, represents the most comprehensive study ever commissioned in the S & T area. Its findings and recommendations will greatly assist us in ensuring that we can extract the full potential and derive the maximum benefit from the financial and technological resources available to us.