Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

In the last year. We have discussed with different Departments their respective sectoral plans that will feed into a broader Government strategic implementation plan on research. Arising from this, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources indicated he had a need for such a post and such a person. In the circumstances that evolved, it was considered by the Government that the person concerned would fulfil the needs and requirements of that particular position quite ably and effectively. Governments are entitled to take those decisions.

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