The Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund Act, 1997, facilitated the payment by Government of Exchequer moneys totalling over £280 million into the fund over a three year period 1998 to 2000. An amount of £130 million was paid into the fund in 1998, £75 million in 1999 and the balance will be paid in 2000. The fund is an innovative measure which is parallel and additional to the normal Estimates process. The fund contains a provision of £50 million which is targeted at research and development. The figures referred to by the Deputy represent an apportionment of the research and development element of the moneys paid into the fund in 1998 and 1999. This funding of £50 million has been incorporated within the programme for research in third level institutions launched in November 1998 which involves investment of almost £230 million in research and development. This investment will be further enhanced by the £550 million investment in research, technological development and innovation which is part of the national development plan.