Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

To follow Deputy Upton's comments, there is concern within the scientific sector that heretofore, Science Foundation Ireland was more focussed on the high technology end of the spectrum than on developing Ireland's strengths in respect of food production and the growth of crops such as those mentioned by Deputy Upton. Has the Minister of State met representatives of Science Foundation Ireland in this regard? Has he discussed these concerns with it? While its attitude is now changing, can the Minister of State guarantee a greater focus on this subject on the part of Science Foundation Ireland in future?

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