Vol. 519 No. 6
101 Mr. Shatter asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the representation of medical research charities on the new foundation to distribute the national development plan funding for biotechnology research; and the consideration made by her in this regard. [14397/00]
The new foundation referred to by the Deputy is the Technology Foresight Foundation announced by the Tánaiste and myself on 8 March last. This foundation will operate under the Industrial Development Acts as a sub-board of Forfás and will invest in world-class research excellence in niche areas within information and communications technologies and biotechnology.
A high level implementation advisory group is considering the issues and arrangements necessary to ensure the smooth launch of the foundation and is advising the Tánaiste, myself and Forfás in this regard. It is expected that this group will conclude its analysis around the end of June.
Board appointments will be considered in due course in the light of the objectives of the foundation, that is, to invest in a cadre of world class research personnel with a view to underpinning future national development. As regards the participation of medical research charities in the new foundation, I understand that Forfás is consulting widely with all interested parties, including medical research bodies, in relation to a first call for proposals. I should point out that the proposals selected for support by the foundation will be those that are successful in a competitive call based on a process of international peer review.
