asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to a report published by the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards which outlines a five year programme aimed at providing the necessary scientific support for Irish industry; and if he will state the financial support which the Government intend to give to this programme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Industry Scientific Support.
25.
As indicated by the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards in the material published in connection with their five year plan, I have accepted this plan subject to certain understandings. The Government have in recent years given substantially increased financial support to the institute. In the six year period since 1967-68, the grant-in-aid to the institute was increased from £380,000 to £1,293,000 in the current year. I propose to seek further increases in the financial support given to the institute in future years but the amount to be allotted to the institute must, obviously, depend on the funds available for development generally.