Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Institute for Industrial Research and Standards.
- IIRS funding for increased demand 2 speeches
The Minister says the Institute’s 1977 funding claims are under consideration and that demand for its services will be taken into account.
James Leonard, Justin Keating
- Testing tractor safety frames 4 speeches
Leonard asks whether testing facilities will be provided for tractor safety frames required to meet OECD standards; the Chair says this is a separate matter requiring its own question.
James Leonard, Justin Keating, Seán Treacy
- IIRS staffing and grants 2 speeches
Asked about increasing personnel, the Minister says staffing is an internal matter and cites substantial increases in the Institute’s administration and building grants.
Tom J. Fitzpatrick, Justin Keating
- Follow-up on tractor frame testing 2 speeches
Leonard asks the Minister to look into the tractor-frame matter he raised, and the Minister agrees.
James Leonard, Justin Keating
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the action he proposes to take to equip the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards to meet the substantially increased demands on its time and expertise.
Comment on this
The claims of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards for public funds in 1977 are at present being considered in conjunction with other claims for Exchequer support. In deciding on the level of assistance to be provided the demands on the institute's services will, of course, be borne in mind.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that from September, 1977, it will be compulsory to have safety frames fitted on most tractors and that they must comply with OECD standards? Has he any proposals to instal testing facilities for those frames at the IIRS or elsewhere?
Comment on this
There was nothing in the Deputy's question to indicate an interest in safety frames on tractors and there is nothing in my brief that relates to it. However, if he cares to put down a question I will find the answer for him.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that at the present time if any engineering firm went into this business they would have to send the tractor and the frame to England for a test. That could cost £500 or £600——
Comment on this
I am sorry to interrupt the Deputy but he seems to be raising a distinctly separate matter which is worthy of a separate question. Question No. 16 deals with equipping the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards. There is nothing about tractors in the question.
Comment on this
(Dublin Central): Will the Minister indicate if the personnel in the IIRS are being increased?
Comment on this
My prime responsibility is to see that they have increasing funds. The matter of numbers is an internal matter. I can tell the Deputy that during my period in office the administration grant has increased by 116 per cent and the building grant has increased by 490 per cent. That has been done in times of stringency. Notwithstanding the exigencies of the time, it is our policy to provide the IIRS with sufficient funds to carry on their work. That has been done and it will continue to be done.