Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 5

Written Answers. - EU Programmes.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

32 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Ireland's views on the strategic review of the European intergovernmental EUREKA programme designed to stimulate the start up of collaborative research and development projects; and if she will support the relaunch of the programme at the ministerial conference in Istanbul on 30 June 1999. [15784/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Treacy)

I refer the Deputy to my answers to Parliamentary Question Nos. 116 and 117 of Tuesday, 15 June 1999, concerning Ireland's participation in the pan-European EUREKA programme.

As I outlined in my answer, I have asked Enterprise Ireland, having regard to its strategic remit for company development and in formulating its plans for post-1999 funding for research, technology and innovation, to examine the best way to use the EUREKA programme, in the context of the preparation of the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

I will represent Ireland at the EUREKA ministerial conference in Istanbul on 29 June 1999. The principal item on the agenda is a debate on EUREKA's strategic review and its implementation. During this debate, I will, on behalf of Ireland, support the relaunch of EUREKA and will outline our proposals aimed at raising Ireland's profile in EUREKA over the coming years. These actions will include the continuation of funding to Irish involvement in EUREKA projects through the in-company research, technology and innovation initiative administered by Enterprise Ireland, with preference being given to collaborative projects; encouraging companies to apply for Enterprise Ireland's feasibility study grants scheme in order to explore opportunities, in collaborative research and development, including EUREKA; the development of a streamlined travel and subsistence funding scheme to encourage companies to send staff to EUREKA brokerage events abroad; the organisation of research and development brokerage events in Ireland; and engaging in a sustained promotional campaign, directed at those companies most likely to consider taking up opportunities to collaborate in research and development through organisations such as EUREKA.

I am sure the Deputy will agree that the proposed activities listed above provide ample evidence of Irelands support for the relaunch of the EUREKA programme.