ESO

Some of you may be aware that Ireland is not currently a member of the European Southern Observatory (ESO). It would cost Ireland about 11million euro to join, with an annual membership fee of about 1.5million euro.

An email from Terry Mosely:
---
1. John Moore asked me to pass on this plea for pressure on the Dail re
Ireland's ESO astronomy bid, which I'm happy to do. So get writing, emailing,
texting, phoning, faxing etc!
---

Here are the contact details for the Ministers responsible for Science and Enterprise:

Mr. Noel Dempsey, T.D.
Minister of Education and Science,
Department of Education and Science,
Marlborough Street,
Dublin 1
Tel: +353 1 8734700
Fax: +353 1 872 9093

Mrs. Mary Harney,
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment,
Kildare Street,
Dublin 2
Tel: +353 1 631 2121
Fax: +353 1 631 2827

Cheers,
~Al

There's a news clip about this is the August issue of Astronomy Now. It's actually quite embarrassing. Mary Harney cancelled her attendance at a meeting to discuss joining at the last minute. There were some farily senior reps from the ESO in Dublin to meet her. Only in Ireland ...
By the way, how do I justify the spending of E 11 million to join when people ask about it? Especially considering the fact that we're up recession creek without an economic paddle.

There's a news clip about this is the August issue of Astronomy Now. It's actually quite embarrassing. Mary Harney cancelled her attendance at a meeting to discuss joining at the last minute. There were some farily senior reps from the ESO in Dublin to meet her. Only in Ireland ...
By the way, how do I justify the spending of E 11 million to join when people ask about it? Especially considering the fact that we're up recession creek without an economic paddle.

Well we either are a serious player in the academic and research world or we are not. We cant very well say that we are a center of excellence for computer science, engineering, biotech, etc. and at the same time show that we are not willing to put up money for our colleges to do research. (having colleges get effectivly paid by drug companies to do patented research does not count!).

E11m is a lot of money, that could probably be better spent on hospitals, or getting more guards, but thats not where the money is to go if it doesnt to here. So rather than focus on that, lets look at the multi million euro tribunals, government jets (though they are not getting it this year), dire planning on the road system leading to overspending etc. 11m isnt that much then, especially since its a one off payment, with a much smaller investment each year for membership.

Saints and Scholars? well the saints bit has gone and the scholars bit is going...

Cheers,
~Al

albert,
your not thinking straight 11m euros could get us 2 and a bit more stiletto's for the ghetto .
Stephen.