Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 30 Apr 1998

Vol. 490 No. 4

Written Answers. - Research Funding.

Tony Gregory

Ceist:

143 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding made available by his Department for research support; and the plans, if any, he has to increase the funding in view of the recent reduction in additional funding (details supplied). [10283/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The primary channel of research funding provided by my Department is through the annual block grant provided by the Higher Education Authority for the universities which is in respect of teaching and research. My Department also operates a scheme of post-doctoral fellowships which are designed to stimulate research in the scientific departments of the universities, by grant aiding Fellows, PhD holders and others with equivalent research experience.

For the first time, the 1998 Estimates for my Department include a specific provision for £5 million for current expenditure on the support of research and development activity in higher education institutions. I have asked the Higher Education Authority to develop proposals and mechanisms in relation to this £5 million fund.

This £5 million current 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.

I understand that there has not been any reduction in the funding provided by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to the National Research Support Fund Board.