Vol. 437 No. 6
285 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment his views on the proposal contained in the White Paper of the Commission of the European Communities to the effect that a network of research centres should be operated on a European rather than a national basis; and if Ireland will be supporting this proposal.
I assume the Deputy is referring to Paragraph 5.3 (a) of the European Commission White Paper "Growth, Competitiveness, Employment — the Challenges and way forward into 21st Century".
The paper sets out a wide range of ideas to foster debate and assist decision making at all levels in the Union on how best the problem of unemployment can be tackled.
The White Paper recognises the contribution which research and technological development can make to reviewing growth, strengthening competitiveness and boosting employment. It recognises that action is needed to address the level of resources, co-ordination of research and dissemination of results. The White Paper also recognises that the Fourth Framework Programme envisages a number of actions in this regard.
Ireland has supported progress to increase links between research centres in the various member states and generally to provide greater support for dissemination of results of research. As a small country on the EU periphery, these proposals are of key importance to Irish researchers as it provides greater opportunities for collaboration with other European researchers.
