Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 2

Written Answers. - Research and Development.

Enda Kenny

Question:

113 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of spending on research and development in each of the past three years; the percentage of total turnover that this represents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16022/01]

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

I assume the question is referring to public sector research and development, research and development expenditure and its percentage of GDP. These statistics are collected by Forfás and are published in the annual science budget. The science budget's definition of public expenditure on research and development includes all Exchequer and CSF funding expended on research and development. The research and development may be performed either in the Government sector itself, in the business sector or in third level education colleges.

The following table shows expenditure levels and its percentage of GDP for the past three years. The 2000 and 1999 data are taken from the 2000 science budget, which Forfás is currently finalising.

	2000 Allocation (Provisional data)	1999 Outturn (Provisional data)	1998 Outturn
Public Expenditure on R&D	£233 million	£148 million	£151 million
% of GDP	1.1%	1.1%	1.2%

The 2000 allocation amounts to £233 million, 295.8 million, which represents a very significant increase over the expenditure in the previous years. This increase is part of the Government's strategy as outlined in the national development plan, 2000-2006, to invest substantially in research and development as a key economic instrument.

The Deputy may also wish to note that Forfás undertakes separate biennial surveys on the level of research and development performed in the higher education and business sectors in Ireland.

The latest data available on business sector research and development relates to the year 1997. The 1999 survey is ongoing. The 1997 data shows expenditure of £535 million. This represents 1.1% of GDP, which is around the EU average.

The latest data available on higher education sector research and development relates to the year 1998 and shows expenditure of £160 million. This represents 0.27% of GDP.