Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

The FÁS Science Challenge programme was established in 2003 and was described as being part of the Government's effort to promote science, engineering and ICT. Another programme, Discover Science and Engineering, was also established in 2003 with the objective of promoting awareness of science and engineering. Science Foundation Ireland was established formally in 2003 and has a similar remit. It was recently brought to our attention that the FÁS Science Challenge programme was investigated on the initiative of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and abandoned. An official of Science Foundation Ireland stated the programme was characterised by a lack of data on objectives and what was intended to be delivered.

The Department, in terms of its role of overseeing investment in science and technology, was throwing money like confetti at a wedding at various different programmes, with no targets-----

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