I propose to take Questions Nos. 455, 561and 736 together.
The National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology at Dublin City University was awarded funding under Cycle 3 of the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions in December 2001. I announced a pause in relation to all capital developments in the third level sector, including capital projects under Cycle 3 of PRTLI, pending clarification of the future funding position.
While I am well aware of the importance of research and the value of projects such as the NICB, I have to place the demand for resources for projects under PRTLI with many other equally meritorious programmes in the education area. My Department is currently engaged in the Estimates campaign with the Department of Finance which will determine the resources available, both capital and current, for the education sector. I will have to allocate the available funding on the basis of priority policies which can only be determined when the funding for 2004 for my Department is decided.