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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 4

Written Answers - Telecommunications and Information Technology.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

137 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that ongoing investment, research and development in telecommunications and information technology here is adequate to meet the commercial and domestic requirements of the future, having particular regard to the increasing demands of industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6299/03]

My Department's primary role regarding research and development in the telecommunications and information technology areas arises through the digital hub project in Dublin as well as in funding technology pilot projects on a nationwide basis. My Department is currently evaluating the potential of satellite and wireless technologies for the delivery of broadband services.

The Deputy will be aware that both the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment have the primary responsibility for research and development nationally. The significance of research and development investment has been brought into sharper focus over the last year as more demanding economic conditions highlight the need to promote the development of the knowledge economy. The whole area of research and development and the development of knowledge based enterprises is currently an important priority and the work of Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Council for Technology and Innovation are important in this regard.

The strategic goal set at the Lisbon European Council in March 2000 is for the EU to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion. I am committed to supporting and promoting the structural reforms necessary for the EU to achieve this strategic goal, known as the Lisbon Agenda.

Research, innovation and technology are cornerstones of the Lisbon Agenda. Ireland is strongly supporting the objective of achieving a European research area, that overall spending on research and development and innovation in the Union should be increased with the aim of approaching 3% of GDP by 2010, and that two thirds of this new investment should come from the private sector.

Ireland has made the point to our EU partners that framework conditions should be put in place which bring research, innovation and technological development to the centre of the reform agenda set out at Lisbon. We will contribute strongly over the coming months to the development of a strongly focused EU action plan to ensure increased levels of research and development investment in Europe and we will play our part in helping the EU to achieve the ambitious 3% target. In this regard, we are pursuing a range of policies to significantly enhance investment particularly in those areas of science that will support the further development of the pervasive technologies of ICT and biotechnology. Other priorities include investment in human resources and the establishment of a strong public research base with improved industry links.

Education is also critical to achieving these targets. Ireland has demonstrated that the availability of a highly skilled workforce will attract business and will lead to increased innovation and business start-ups. Ireland supports the development of lifelong learning and believes the focus should be on both ensuring high participation rates in formal education and training and on second chance educational and vocational training courses.
Question No. 138 answered with Question No. 124.
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