Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 3

Written Answers. - Technology Foresight Fund.

Bernard Allen

Question:

69 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the implications of the recently announced Government decision to allocate £560 million specifically for bio-technology, information and communication technologies for the Health Research Board's areas of activities. [9988/00]

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

The £560 million technology foresight fund was recently established in response to the increasingly important link between technological development and the future competitiveness of Irish based industry. It marks a new departure for public sector investment in modern sectors of technology, identified by the highly consultative technology foresight study as being key drivers in future competitiveness. The fund will be used to establish Ireland as a location for world class excellence in niche areas within information and communications technologies and biotechnology. A dedicated foundation, operating under the aegis of Forfás, is being established to manage, allocate, disburse and evaluate expenditure under the fund.

It is envisaged that the foundation will have a two pronged approach to funding. Researchers in third level colleges and research institutions will be offered the opportunity to compete for funds through the international peer review process. The foundation will have the option to establish its own laboratories if necessary to secure world class performance. In achieving its objective, the foundation will consult widely with national and international experts in selecting the niche areas; fund world class research in the selected niches on the basis of a competitive international peer review process; and ensure that continuation of support for any project funded by the new foundation will be dependent on a continuing research output at a world class level.

In response to Deputy Allen's query about the implications of the fund on the Health Research Board's areas of research activities, the level of funds to be awarded to particular types of research, including health-related research, will be a matter for decision by the management of the foundation. Such allocations will emerge from the consultation and competitive process I have outlined above. However, I would stress that the technology foresight funding is additional and complementary to existing spends by Departments and agencies.