The Institute for Industrial Research and Standards (IIRS) was established under the Industrial Research and Standards Act (1946). The functions of the Institute as set out in the Act were:
1. To undertake, encourage and foster scientific research and investigation with the object of:
Promoting the utilisation of the natural resources of the State.
Improving the technical processes and methods used in the industries of
the State.
Discovering technical processes and methods which may promote or
facilitate the expansion of existing or the development of new industries.
2. To make recommendations as to the formulation of standards specifications and the provision of standard marks for commodities, processes and practices.
3. To test and analyse commodities intended for sale or for use by the public.