Michael Finucane
Ceist:39 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Education and Science whether he has studied the recent report by CIRCA on university research in Ireland; and if he accepts the priorities identified for immediate action. [16666/97]
Written Answers - Higher Education Research.
Dick Spring
Ceist:74 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the recently published CIRCA report in relation to the funding of higher education research. [16716/97]
I propose to take Questions No. 39 and 74 together.
I am familiar with the report of the CIRCA Group "A comparative International Assessment of the Organisation, Management and funding of University Research in Ireland and Europe", which was published in 1997. The report identified the need for a significant increase in the level of public funding available for university research and the need for reforms in research management in the university sector. The report made a range of recommendations, including the establishment of two research councils under the Higher Education Authority, one for science and technology and one for humanities and social science. The Higher Education Authority which commissioned the CIRCA report has supported these recommendations. These issues are under active consideration in my Department at present.