Tánaiste launches The Magic of Science Programme in Carlow

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Harney today (Monday 11th June, 2001) launched the Magic of Science Programme at the Carlow Institute of Technology. This exciting interactive event aims to promote science and technology and features over 40 exhibits. The event will run up to the 24th June and is organised by the Institute of Technology and Carlow Urban District Council. The exhibits are provided by Techniquest, a Cardiff educational company which stages such events around the world.

Launching the event the Tánaiste said "I am delighted to be here in Carlow to launch this Magic of Science Programme. Carlow County Council and the Institute of Technology are to be congratulated on putting on this programme. Awareness activities have a significant role to play and events such as this one, celebrates science and technology and carries the message that science is for all, not just the scientists. Everywhere one turns, science and technology are visible in all aspects of our lives with some of the best examples in medicine, communications, entertainment and the workplace."

The Tánaiste continued "Now that our economy has reached near full employment improving our living standards will be achieved to a greater extent by increasing productivity. We need to shift an even higher proportion of our activity into high productivity sectors and occupations. Therefore we need more young people with science and technology skills for the well paid and exciting career prospects of the future." “

The Government is investing substantially in R&D infrastructure. Our aim is to put Ireland on the international R&D map and to have us recognised as a good location to carry out R&D. A su sum of £1.95 billion ( € 2.5 billion ) has been allocated for Research, Technological Development and Innovation in the National Development Plan 2000 - 2006, she said.

A substantial part of the RTDI funding has been earmarked for the Technology Foresight Fund, which is a fund for investment in research in niche areas of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Biotechnology. Science Foundation Ireland has been established to implement the Technology Foresight Initiative, the Tanaiste added.

The Tánaiste continued "As you may be aware, a proposal that we should have an interactive science centre to promote science and technology has been made. I fully support the proposal and I intend to bring it to Cabinet at the earliest opportunity for approval in principle to proceed with the project."

Concluding the Tánaiste said "I welcome Carlow’s link and co-operation with Techniquest, Cardiff in putting on this programme. Carlow has a strong science tradition producing scientists such as John Tyndall who discovered that the scattering of blue wavelengths of sunlight by particles in the atmosphere makes the sky blue. I congratulate all involved in this event and wish you every success. It is a pleasure for me to launch the Carlow "Magic of Science" Programme."