asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if, in view of the importance of the electronics industry in this country, he plans to participate in community operations for the development of microelectronics technology, namely, the proposed creation of a joint advanced technology capability which includes the aim of setting up a European industry, producing equipment for the manufacture of integrated circuits.
Written Answers. - Electronics Industry.
340.
There are a number of EEC Research and Development programmes whose purpose is to enhance the capability of European industry in the area of microelectronics technology. The most important of these is the ESPRIT programme (European Strategic Research Programme in Information Technology) which focuses strongly on the area of advanced microelectronics. In the main phase, which began earlier this year, 23 Irish companies and a number of third level institutions in this country secured contracts worth over IR£5 million from this programme.
A smaller EEC Microelectronics Technology Research Programme, which is nearing conclusion, has involved several Irish third level research establishments and some commercial companies. This programme began in 1982 and runs until the end of 1985. To date the Irish participants in this programme have taken part in research projects funded by the EEC of the order of £¾ million.
My Department have been centrally involved in the deliberations at Community level which led to the establishment of these programmes. I regard as very satisfactory the results achieved to date.
I am aware that the European Commission is at present considering the possibilities of funding an R & D Programme in respect of microelectronic components, equipment, and software which may be required for the possible establishment of advance telecommunications projects in the Community. I understand that the Commission aims to put forward, before the end of this year, specific proposals for consideration by the Council of Ministers.