Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 247: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the recent decision to reduce wages of researchers in Trinity College, Dublin, arising from a decision which is likely to have a detrimental effect for persons who are engaged in beneficial work associated with health policy research; her views on whether the recent decisions are removing the incentive to conduct the valuable work in relation to health policy in the future; if she will investigate the possibility of exempting those persons who are researching health policy from pay cuts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12243/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The issue of wage rates is governed by the employer/employee relationship. In the case of Trinity College Dublin as Minister for Health and Children I am neither involved nor have a role in relation to this matter. More broadly, the Government continues to place considerable importance on the promotion of research. Last year I launched an Action Plan for Health Research which seeks to bring about an increase in the extent and quality of health research, including health policy research. Of course the current economic environment means all areas in receipt of public funds must seek to control costs and achieve more with limited resources.