asked the Minister for Finance the number of reports that have been received by him from the Science Policy Research Centre of UCD regarding their study of the environment; and if it is proposed that there should be a final report.

86.

asked the Minister for Finance if the working group set up to examine the area of microbial fermentation has reported.

I propose, with your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 85 and 86 together.

The Deputy is, presumably, referring to studies commissioned or initiated by the National Science Council, in the first case on the environment for Research and Development in Ireland and in the second case on the extent of research in the fermentation and related fields.

Three reports have been received from the Science Policy Research Centre at UCD and these were published by the National Science Council early this year in a report entitled "Studies in Irish Science Policy". These reports represent the conclusion of the current phase of the centre's work in this field.

The microbial fermentation working party appointed by the National Science Council have submitted a report to the council. Their conclusions were summarised in the last progress report of the National Science Council.

I do not understand how Question Nos. 85 and 86 are related except for the science council involvement. Surely these are separate science committees?

The Science Policy Research Centre of UCD which is under the direction of Professor T. Lynch was commissioned in 1970 to carry out an assessment of the environment for research and development in Ireland. The same Science policy Research Centre of UCD was commissioned to do the same thing about fermentation research. Therefore, I co-related the two questions.

Regarding fermentation, do I gather from the Parliamentary Secretary——

Microbial fermentation.

——that a final report has been received? When can we expect action to be taken? I was not aware that the final report has been received.

My information is that the conclusions were summarised in the last progress report of the National Science Council, and the Deputy will find all details and relevant information therein.