THE need for "an enhanced understanding and better interaction between science and society" was emphasised by the Minister for the Environment when he opened the 7th Irish Environmental Researchers Colloquium, sponsored by the ESB, at the University of Limerick last night.
This, Mr Howlin said, was also the theme of the White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation published last October. The Government would establish a new permanent Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council to provide expert advice on policy. "A Cabinet committee will direct work on an integrated planning process for prioritising spending on science and technology, thus ensuring better co operation and an optimal use of resources".
The White Paper "recognises the importance of a high quality environment as the foundation for economic development and notes the need for research in support of environmental management and product development in a number of areas".
He was taking account of the objectives of the White Paper in finalising the National Sustainable Development Strategy which he plans to publish before Easter.
He said the White Paper "supports greater links between the education sector, enterprise and the public sector, and the Government is committed to exploring how best to maximise technology transfer in this regard."
He said that Irish industry was responding to an increasing extent voluntarily to the challenge of environmental protection. There was a growing recognition that high environmental standards and active management policies supported rather than impeded economic growth.
Dr Edward Walsh, president of the University of Limerick, welcomed "a unique gathering of international scientists.