FUNDING OF ARMAGH OBSERVATORY

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That this House applauds the Armagh Observatory's considerable contribution to astronomical research and its very high international standing; believes the observatory is one of the world class scientific institutions in the British Isles; is very concerned about the funding shortfall currently facing the Armagh Observatory; fears that if this shortfall is not met, the Observatory could close in 2009; and calls on the Government to ensure that the future funding of Armagh Observatory is secured to guarantee the on-going operations of one of the world's great seats of learning and research into the field of astronomy.