Vol. 492 No. 6
83 Mr. Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will establish a system to give a long-term future to basic research funding in Ireland; and, if so, if she will do so in consultation with the Irish Research Scientists Association. [14684/98]
The Deputy will be aware of the statements I have made in the past few weeks which illustrate my commitment to State-supported basic research. This commitment is demonstrated by the additional funds, which have been made available by the Government this year. The purpose of these is well documented in my replies to recent questions in this House.
As a further illustration of my and this Governments commitment to basic research I am in the process of setting up a working group comprising representatives from the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Education and Science, as well as Forbairt-Enterprise Ireland and the Higher Education Authority, to examine future funding arrangements for basic research.
Consultation with interested parties, including the Irish Research Scientists Association, is an important part of the policymaking process. I should add that the Office of Science and Technology, which comes under my responsibility in this Department, has contributed to the Irish Research Scientists Association funding in the past few years.
