asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state if he has taken any decision on the proposal of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards for an inquiry under Government auspices into the steps required to enable the shortage of properly educated and trained scientists and engineers to be met, and, if so, if he will state what that decision is.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shortage of Trained Scientists.
The proposal to which the Deputy refers is under consideration and will necessitate consultation with other interested Departments.
In view of the fact that one of the reasons for the deterioration in the rate of progress of the rural electrification scheme is the alleged shortage of engineers, does the Parliamentary Secretary not think that more expeditious action should be taken on this recommendation?
I do not know how a recommendation of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards could supply that deficiency.
They made a proposal to the Minister. That is what I asked the question about.