asked the Taoiseach if his department will continue to give full financial support through the National Board for Science and Technology to the shellfish research laboratory in Carna, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

As the Government stated on 23 December 1981, this important research work will continue to be subvented in 1982.

Is it correct to state that the National Board for Science and Technology budget for this year is cut by 11 per cent?

That is a separate question. If the Deputy would put it down I would be happy to answer it and to explain the reasons for differences in the Vote between this year and last year.

For the Taoiseach's information, it is correct to state that there is a cut of 11 per cent. Could I have an assurance from the Taoiseach that the NBST will not cut the financial support which they give to the shellfish research laboratory in Carna, County Galway by 11 per cent as a result of the cut in their budget?

I made it clear that the subvention will continue and in settling the amounts required by the NBST for their activities and for these activities which they will be continuing with this year I made it very clear that it is my expectation that the subvention to this laboratory would continue. The NBST issued protective notices in December to staff in the laboratory. There was no basis for that and I have indicated to them my concern that they should have taken an action of that kind before the Estimates were settled and in circumstances where there were no grounds to believe that there was any doubt about the continued employment of the people concerned.

Will the Taoiseach assure the House that he will now inform the NBST that they are not to cut the financial support for the shellfish research laboratory now that they know what their estimate is?

That point was dealt with some time ago when the protective notices were issued.

That was before they knew what the budget would be.

Subsequent to that I made the position clear to them. There is no question about that and they have known for some time past of my concern in that regard. It is the intention of the Government that the subvention should continue in 1982 at the level that it was at and the NBST are aware of the Government's concern in that regard. We intend to see that that subvention continues.

The Taoiseach said that the subvention would continue at the level it was at. What does he mean by that in cash terms?

I have not the figures readily to hand. If I had I would be happy to give them. The position is that the NBST grant-in-aid is on the basis that the current work level will be maintained into 1982. The amount allocated, £90,000, is regarded as satisfactory and sufficient to continue work at the same level as in 1981.

Will the Taoiseach give a commitment that if they run into problems during 1982 their position will be reviewed?

If any difficulties arise about payments from the NBST to the laboratory which would interfere with the continuation of the work level into 1982, it would be a matter for my Department to take the necessary steps to ensure that the work continues and that finance is provided from the grant-in-aid. The Deputy need have no concern in that regard. The matter has been dealt with.

In view of the importance to industry of a continued programme of research and development I take it the Taoiseach is happy to assure the House that there will be no run-down of the NBST and no overall lack of commitment to such a programme? There were disturbing stories recently about a weakening in this area.

That does not arise on this question.

If the Deputy puts down a question about the NBST I will be happy to answer it. This question deals with the shellfish laboratory.

I take it the Taoiseach can reassure the House on this matter.

I should be happy to answer a question about that which would enable me to state the position more fully than I can on this one.