Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill 2002 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages
Dr. Henry: I welcome the Minister of State and these acceptable amendments. This Bill is one of the most wonderful things that has happened for research work in this country for decades. It is directed at bio-sciences and information technology which are only part of many important areas of research.
There must be a framework created for research and development in this country. I realise this is not part of the remit of the Minister of State's Department. The conference of the heads of Irish universities has expressed grave concern about the shortage of research funds going to other areas within the third level sector. The reason this is particularly important is that Science Foundation Ireland must draw from those people doing masters' degrees or post-doctoral research in other disciplines. It cannot exist as an island. We must also ensure the continuation of courses to train the people needed in these areas. I ask the Minister of State to use his good offices with the Department of Education and Science to ensure the universities do not have to cut such courses.
I must declare an interest in that I chair the Trinity College Dublin Association and Trust. I am also a member of the Trinity Foundation, both of which are fundraising bodies for the university of Dublin. Given the strained circumstances in the private sector, it is difficult to raise the sums required to continue research outside the remit of Science Foundation Ireland. However, it is vital backup for us. As a small country, we have an advantage over others in that there is a great deal of co-operation with and personal knowledge of the work others are doing. This can make a huge difference when one is trying to secure co-operation in such important areas.
I praise the Bill for what it seeks to do and ask the Minister of State to keep an eye on the Department of Education and Science which will have to provide money to back up the research being carried out in other disciplines. We are trying as best we can to raise funds within the universities. However, when very rich people have lost one third of their wealth, as they see it, with the fall in the value of shares, they are not as enthusiastic as they have been about giving. Low interest rates also mean we are getting a poor return on our investments. Therefore, to support the foundation, we need to make sure we put as much money as possible into other areas of research in third level institutions.
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