Michael Ring
Ceist:51 Mr. Ring 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. - University Research.
I have acted on 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. It also recommended the introduction of a student support scheme for postgraduate and post-doctoral research. The Higher Education Authority which commissioned the CIRCA report has supported the broad thrust of the report and its recommendations.
I do accept the need for additional investment in university research and indeed, in this regard, provision has been included in the 1998 Estimates for a major fund of £5 million for research and development projects. The administrative arrangements for this fund are currently under consideration in my Department.
This funding is in addition to the £30 million investment announced as part of the education technology investment fund for a equipment renewal programme and the £15 million which will be provided from that fund to meet the capital needs of promoting research and development and technology transfer.
These additional funding provisions represent a significant response by this Government to the priorities contained in the CIRCA report and the earlier recommendations of the Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council and complement the range of existing measures in place to support research and development activity taking place in our third level institutions.