THE £4 million awarded to science and technology in yesterday's budget represents the first specific budgetary allocation for the sector, according to the Minister for Commerce, Science and Technology, Mr Pat Rabbitte.
"The allocation is an important indication of the commitment of the Government which regards this sector as a cornerstone of economic and industrial development in this country," Mr Rabbitte said.
The money will be put to implementing the recommendations of the Tierney Report on Science, Technology and Innovation. In his speech yesterday the Minister for Finance, Mr Quinn, described the report as "the most fundamental appraisal of this critical area ever taken".
According to Mr Quinn, "many of the recommendations relate to better ways to plan and manage State funding and programmes relating to science and technology so as to make them more effective in improving competitiveness and generating new jobs".
But the sum has been described as "insignificant" by the Irish Research Scientists Association. "It is quite clear that the money is being targeted not at scientists, but at specific projects in the science and technology area," the chairman of the association, Mr Mike Hopkins, said.
The Tierney report itself had recommended an initial allocation of £25 million for implementing its proposals. It is understood that Mr Rabbitte had sought an initial allocation of £5 million.
Mr Rabbitte said he would move quickly to allocate the extra funding to the areas which need priority attention in 1996. The specific priorities include
. Collaboration between firms to overcome the disadvantages of small scale activities,
. Higher profile for, and use of technology transfer in industry
. Improved technological skills and capabilities, particularly in smaller firms,
. Strengthening of the research capability in the third level sector, and,
. Improved awareness of science and technology.
Details of the specific measures to be taken are not yet available. It is understood that they will include a significant increase in the £1,000 Government grant for Phd students.
"The Government has asked for the preparation of a full response to the Tierney Report for early publication," Mr Rabbitte said. "I am now working on this and hope to send it to the Government in four to six weeks."